Enhancing abdominal wall healing using an oriented polycaprolactone microfibrous scaffold prepared using the fiber drawing method: A rabbit model study

Abstract

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia is a common postoperative complication following abdominal surgery. Despite the use of synthetic meshes, recurrence rates remain high. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a biodegradable, aligned microfibrous scaffold to support wound healing and strengthen abdominal wall repair. METHODS: Scaffolds were fabricated from poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) using a controlled fiber-drawing technique to produce highly aligned microfibers with reproducible thickness and architecture. Their biocompatibility was examined in vitro using fibroblasts through adhesion and proliferation assays. For in vivo evaluation, the scaffolds were implanted over standardized abdominal wall incisions in rabbits. After six weeks, the regenerated tissue was harvested for mechanical testing to determine tensile strength and elasticity, while histological and immunohistochemical analyses assessed collagen type I deposition and neovascularization within the scaffold area. RESULTS: The aligned PCL scaffold promoted strong cell attachment and proliferation in vitro. In vivo, its application significantly increased tensile modulus compared with control wounds. Histological analysis revealed denser and more organized collagen deposition and a higher microvessel density in the scaffold-treated group, indicating enhanced tissue remodeling and vascular integration. CONCLUSION: The aligned PCL microfibrous scaffold improved the mechanical and biological quality of the abdominal wall healing in vivo. These results suggest its potential for reducing the formation of incisional hernias and are suitable for further testing leading to use in clinical practice.