Improving the Antimicrobial Properties of Polypropylene Meshes Used in Hernia Surgeries with Amine-Functional Polymer Coatings

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) meshes utilized in hernia surgeries are prone to infection-related complications due to their inherent susceptibility to bacterial colonization. This study focuses on developing a method to functionalize PP meshes with specific amine-functional polymers (Poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) and poly[(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-co-(ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate)]) to enhance their antimicrobial properties. The aim is to introduce positively charged amino groups onto the mesh surface, facilitating interaction with bacterial cell membranes, leading to bacterial cell death, and imparting antibacterial characteristics. The modified PP meshes were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Water Contact Angle (WCA) measurements. Antimicrobial activity of poly- DMAEMA and poly-DMAEMA-EGDMA (quaternary amine) coated PP meshes will be assessed using the agar diffusion method against both Gram-positive (Escherichia coli) and Gram-negative (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. This approach offers a promising solution to enhance postoperative healing by augmenting the antimicrobial properties of meshes employed in hernioplasty, thereby minimizing the risk of postoperative infections.