Degradable decellularized porcine dermal composite with antibacterial and mechanical strength reinforcement for scleral buckling

• Biodegradable PADM/PVA-Ag + scaffold uses freeze–thaw crosslinking for scleral buckling. • Maintains effective scleral buckling for 3 months with controlled degradation. • Promising silicone sponge alternative without secondary removal. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a vision-threatening ophthalmic emergency requiring prompt intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. Scleral buckling surgery remains an effective treatment approach for RRD, yet current clinical practice relies on permanent silicone sponge that carry risks of silicone-related complications such as infection or extrusion. To address these limitations, we developed a novel biodegradable scleral buckling material (PADM/PVA-Ag + ) by combining decellularized porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and silver ions through freeze–thaw cross-linking. Characterization studies revealed critical advantages of the composite material. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the composite material (PADM/PVA-Ag + ) developed an interconnected porous architecture, with both surface and cross-sectional analyses demonstrating improved structural integrity compared to PADM alone. In vivo testing of the composite material (PADM/PVA-Ag + ) demonstrated sustained buckling efficacy for 2–3 months in rabbit models, exceeding pure PADM’s duration by one month, while showing a controlled degradation profile. Histopathological evaluation confirmed minimal ocular irritation and absence of systemic toxicity. This biodegradable composite demonstrates significant potential as a safer alternative to conventional silicone sponges in scleral buckling procedures, potentially reducing long-term complication risks and eliminating the need for implant removal.