Polymer nanomaterials for use as adjuvant surgical tools

Abstract

Materials employed in the treatment of conditions encountered in surgical and clinical practice frequently face barriers in translation to application. Shortcomings can be generalized through their reduced mechanical stability, difficulty in handling, and inability to conform or adhere to complex tissue surfaces. To overcome an amalgam of challenges, research has sought the utilization of polymer-derived nanomaterials deposited in various fashions and formulations to improve the application and outcomes of surgical and clinical interventions. Clinically prevalent applications include topical wound dressings, tissue adhesives, surgical sealants, hemostats, and adhesion barriers, all of which have displayed the potential to act as superior alternatives to current materials used in surgical procedures. In this review, emphasis will be placed not only on applications, but also on various design strategies employed in fabrication. This review is designed to provide a broad and thought-provoking understanding of nanomaterials as adjuvant tools for the assisted treatment of pathologies prevalent in surgery.

Polydopamine-Coated Polycaprolactone Electrospun Nanofiber Membrane Loaded with Thrombin for Wound Hemostasis

“…Nanofibers prepared by electrospinning technology have high porosity, gas permeability, and can provide a high specific surface area [ 47 ], which are conducive to removing exudate and achieving hemostasis. Commonly used polymers for hemostatic materials include PEO, PLA, PCL, PVA, etc., often have high mechanical properties, but worse biocompatibility than natural materials [ 48 , 49 ]. In fact, in the actual hemostatic scene, it is difficult to achieve efficient hemostasis by relying only on the physical properties and morphological characteristics of the nanofibers, so adding additional drugs with excellent hemostatic performance is a potential solution.…”

A Nature‐Derived, Hetero‐Structured, Pro‐Healing Bioadhesive Patch for High‐Performance Sealing of Wet Tissues

“…[5] The most commonly used hemostasis and wound closure methods are suturing and stapling, which require long surgical response times and highly specialized personnel because of the generally complicated operational procedures. [6,7] Furthermore, both sutures and staples can cause mechanical damage to tissues and are susceptible to dehiscence, leakage, and inflammation. [8] Adhesive sealing of faulty or injured tissues provides a viable approach to achieve hemostasis.…”