Biomedical Engineering Reference
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Figure 22.3. Preparation of a hybrid mesh of biodegradable synthetic
polymers and collagen.
in each opening of the mesh were connected with each other by col-
lagen fibers climbing over the PLGA fiber bundles of the polymer
mesh. The unique structure is somewhat like spiderwebs formed
in the networks of a net. The weblike collagen microsponges are
expected to entrap cells, and the PLGA knitted mesh is expected to
contributehigh mechanical strength.
The mechanical properties of the PLGA-collagen hybrid mesh
were evaluated by a static tensile test. The moduli of elasticity of
the hybrid mesh, PLGA mesh, and collagen sponge were 35.4 ± 1.4,
35.2 ± 1.0, and 0.020 ± 0.001 MPa, respectively. The hybrid mesh
showed a slightly higher tensile strength than the PLGA knitted
mesh and a much higher strength than the collagen sponge. The
polymer mesh served as a skeleton and reinforced the hybrid mesh.
Figure 22.4. SEM photomicrograph of a PLGA-collagen hybrid mesh.
 
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