Enhancing abdominal wall healing using an oriented polycaprolactone microfibrous scaffold prepared using the fiber drawing method: A rabbit model study

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Purpose Incisional hernia is a common postoperative complication following abdominal surgery. Despite the use of synthetic meshes, recurrence rates remain high. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a biodegradable, aligned microfibrous scaffold to support wound healing and strengthen abdominal wall repair. Methods Scaffolds were fabricated from poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) using a controlled fiber-drawing technique to produce highly aligned microfibers with reproducible thickness and architecture. Their biocompatibility was examined in vitro using fibroblasts through adhesion and proliferation assays. For in vivo evaluation, the scaffolds were implanted over standardized abdominal wall incisions in rabbits. After six weeks, the regenerated tissue was harvested for mechanical testing to determine tensile strength and elasticity, while histological and immunohistochemical analyses assessed collagen type I deposition and neovascularization within the scaffold area. Results The aligned PCL scaffold promoted strong cell attachment and proliferation in vitro. In vivo, its application significantly increased tensile modulus compared with control wounds. Histological analysis revealed denser and more organized collagen deposition and a higher microvessel density in the scaffold-treated group, indicating enhanced tissue remodeling and vascular integration. Conclusion The aligned PCL m

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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