New polypropylene mesh could reduce infection risk

The results from the preclinical study have been published in the Journal of Surgical Research.

The research was conducted by the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and titled, ‘Zinc-Impregnated Mesh for Abdominal Wall Repair Reduces Infection in a Rat Model of Peritonitis’.

The research looked at the use of polypropylene meshes which were produced with and without Parx Plastics’ antimicrobial and anti-biofilm technology. The study objective was to see whether a polypropylene mesh produced with Parx’s technology had better antibacterial properties in a heavily contaminated environment compared to a regular polypropylene mesh.

A  surgical mesh is often used after someone has suffered from a hernia, and a mesh infection is one of the most severe complications that can occur following hernia repair. In the case infection occurs, mesh removal may be necessary which can lead to multiple complications such as patient morbidity and prolonged hospital admission. Therefore, it would be extremely beneficial if there was a way for healthcare professionals to be able to minimise the risk of mesh infection for patients.

Parx’s technology doesn’t use biocides or other harmful substances to kill bacteria, but instead utilises a solution derived from biomimetics and makes use of an essential trace element that is present in food and necessary in our daily diet for a healthy immune system and for building up cells, skin, hair, and nails. This ensures safety is guaranteed.

The study results showed that after a follow-up period of 90 days, there was a significantly lower bacteria count found in the mesh fitted with the Parx technology.

Michaël van der Jagt, CEO of Parx Plastics commented: “Because of the nature of our technology we have always believed it can be of great benefit in medicine.

“This first pre-clinical study motivates us to look further into these kinds of applications as it can be of significant impact in many medical applications on the overall infection risks and ultimately on healthcare costs in general.”

The scientific paper can be read in full here.