Polypropylene Mesh Implants Modified by Nanostructured PVD Coatings

In this research, thin nanostructured Zr and ZrO
2
coatings were deposited onto polypropylene mesh implants for hernia repair surgery by using vacuum-arc evaporation in pulsed mode in a Bulat-type facility. The structure, surface morphology, phase composition of the obtained coatings has been investigated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM + EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray fluorescent analysis (XRF). The experimental and clinical study on rats considering tissue response to the subcutaneous implantation of synthetic polymer endoprostheses with bioinert coatings has been carried out. The choice of a set of biochemical tests was due to the need to identify the intensity of the inflammatory process after implantation (glycorotene content) and assess the functional status of the liver (ALT, AST) and kidneys (urea, creatinine) and basic metabolites such as glucose total protein and cholesterol. The use of these indicators assessed the toxic effects of the implanted coated meshes.