Multifunctional Small Intestinal Submucosa Mesh for Scarless Abdominal Wall Defect Repair

ABSTRACT Decellularized small intestinal submucosa (SIS) mesh used for the treatment of abdominal wall defects often suffers from a high risk of recurrence due to early degradation and poor neovascularization. Currently, improving the functionality of SIS meshes remains a huge challenge. Herein, a multifunctional SIS mesh is designed by modifying it with protocatechualdehyde (PCA), a polyphenolic molecule, combining with magnesium ion (Mg ²⁺ ) for full‐thickness abdominal wall defect repair in a rat model. The prepared SIS/PCA/Mg meshes exhibit significantly prolonged degradation cycle, excellent biocompatibility, and antioxidant property and effectively promote the M2 polarization of macrophages. In addition, this mesh can remarkably inhibit the growth of bacteria, which is beneficial for preventing postoperative infections. More importantly, in vivo experiments also confirm that the SIS/PCA/Mg mesh can significantly enhance the repair of full‐thickness abdominal wall defects in rats by reducing inflammation, promoting macrophage M2 polarization, and collagen deposition and neovascularization. As a result, the newly developed multifunctional SIS/PCA/Mg mesh shows an attractive prospect for scarless abdominal wall defect reconstruction.