A Bio‐Inspired Janus Patch for Treating Abdominal Wall Defects

Abstract

Implantable biomedical patch used in treating abdominal wall defects requires antibacterial, anti‐adhesion, and pro‐healing activities to ensure surgical success and prevent postsurgical complications. However, it often encounters challenges in fulfilling these three critical properties simultaneously, as these processes can always be contradictory during treatment. Herein, to break the barriers between bactericidal activity and cytocompatibility, cell adhesion and anti‐adhesion, a bio‐inspired patch with an asymmetric Janus structure is developed. This bio‐inspired Janus patch features cicada wing‐inspired nanostructures on its top surface, enabling both mechano–bactericidal effects and promotion of fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, which stems from its inherent “selective biocidal activity” toward bacteria and mammalian cells. Subsequently, a poly‐zwitterion layer with robust nonfouling properties is grafted on the bottom surface, realizing cell adhesion and anti‐adhesion on two sides of the same patch. Compared to the commercially available polypropylene (PP) meshes, the top surface of the Janus patch, which faces the abdominal wall, demonstrates superior capabilities in preventing postoperative infection and promoting tissue repair. Simultaneously, the other side facing the viscera efficiently prevents any visceral tissue adhesion. With these prominent performances, the bio‐inspired Janus patch presents a pioneering strategy for designing next‐generation patches to treat abdominal wall defects.