3D printed hernia mesh implant: a conformability study

Aim: This study aims to explore the sensing capabilities of polyvinylidene fluoride-hydroxyapatite-chitosan (PVDF-HAP-CS) composite-based hernia mesh implants (of conformal/planar design), followed by in-vitro analysis for better understanding of the bio-stability in the patient’s body. Methods: For analyzing the sensing capabilities, a microstrip patch antenna (MPA)-based implantable sensor [with 17-4 precipitate hardened (PH) stainless steel (SS) (bio-compatible) and Cu alloy (non-biocompatible) materials as conducting plane/patch with PVDF-HAP-CS as dielectric material] has been considered separately in this study. Primarily, in this study, the 3D models of the hernia mesh implant have been designed in the high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software, and the sensing behaviour of the same has been recorded. Results: The HFSS results represent that for the 17-4PH SS-based sensor, resonant frequency (fr) decreases from 2.3953 to 2.3800 GHz, whereas the gain increases from 0.54 to 4.02 dB with a SAR value of 1.077 W/kg. The fr for Cu alloy increases up to 30° conformal angle and, after that, starts decreasing, whereas the gain reaches 3.24 dB with a SAR value of 1.238 W/kg. The in-vitro study highlights that both materials (17-4PH SS and Cu alloy) possess a low corrosion rate. Conclusions: The simulation-based comparison of the biosensors with conducting elements 17-4PH SS and Cu alloy for different conformal angles indicates that the 17-4PH SS shows promising results over Cu in terms of higher gain (up to 4.02 dB) and low SAR value (1.077 W/kg) with the fr lying in the industry scientific and medical (ISM) band and therefore may be used for implantable sensor applications and possesses the capability to be used as 3D-printed hernia mesh implant. The in-vitro results with the low corrosion rate ≈ of 5.1 × 10–8 mm/year, 17-4PH SS may be a suitable material for the fabrication of hernia mesh implant.