Surgical meshes play a significant role in the treatment of various medical conditions, such as hernias, pelvic floor issues, guided bone regeneration, and wound healing. To date, commercial surgical meshes are typically made of non-absorbable synthetic polymers, notably polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene, which are associated with postoperative complications, such as infections. Biological meshes, based on native tissues, have been employed to overcome such complications, though mechanical strength has been a main disadvantage. The right balance in mechanical and biological performances has been achieved by the advent of bioresorbable meshes. Despite improvements, recurrence of clinical complications associated with surgical meshes raises significant concerns regarding the technical adequacy of current materials and designs, pointing to a crucial need for further development. To this end, current research focuses on the design of meshes capable of biomimicking native tissue and facilitating the healing process without post-operative complications. Researchers are actively investigating advanced bioresorbable materials, both synthetic polymers and natural biopolymers, while also exploring the performance of therapeutic agents, surface modification methods and advanced manufacturing technologies such as 4D printing. This review seeks to evaluate emerging biomaterials and technologies for enhancing the performance and clinical applicability of the next-generation surgical meshes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In the ever-transforming landscape of regenerative medicine, the embracing of engineered bioabsorbable surgical meshes stands as a key milestone in addressing persistent challenges and complications associated with existing treatments. The urgency to move beyond conventional non-absorbable meshes, fraught with post-surgery complications, emphasises the necessity of using advanced biomaterials for engineered tissue regeneration. This review critically examines the growing field of absorbable surgical meshes, considering their potential to transform clinical practice. By strategically combining mechanical strength with bioresorbable characteristics, these innovative meshes hold the promise of mitigating complications and improving patient outcomes across diverse medical applications. As we navigate the complexities of modern medicine, this exploration of engineered absorbable meshes emerges as a promising approach, offering an overall perspective on biomaterials, technologies, and strategies adopted to redefine the future of surgical meshes.

Centre for Orthopaedic Research Medical School The University of Western Australia Nedlands WA Australia

Centre for Orthopaedic Research Medical School The University of Western Australia Nedlands WA Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science Nedlands WA Australia

Department of Chemistry Giacomo Ciamician and INSTM UdR of Bologna University of Bologna Italy Health Sciences and Technologies CIRI University of Bologna Via Tolara di Sopra 41 E 40064 Ozzano Emilia Italy

Department of Chemistry Giacomo Ciamician and INSTM UdR of Bologna University of Bologna Italy Health Sciences and Technologies CIRI University of Bologna Via Tolara di Sopra 41 E 40064 Ozzano Emilia Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences DIBINEM Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna Italy

Department of Pharmaceutics Faculty of Pharmacy Alexandria University Egypt

Faculty of Engineering and Science University of Greenwich Medway Campus UK

Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials Via Campi Flegrei 34 80078 Pozzuoli NA Italy

New Technologies Research Centre University of West Bohemia Univerzitní 8 301 00 Pilsen Czech Republic

University of Pecs Medical School 3D Printing and Visualization Centre Hungary University of Pecs Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre Hungary

University of Pecs Medical School 3D Printing and Visualization Centre Hungary University of Pecs Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre Hungary; Department of Biomedical Engineering North Eastern Hill University Meghalaya India

University of Pecs Medical School Institute for Translational Medicine Hungary University of Pecs Medical School Department of Neurosurgery Hungary

WA Liver and Kidney Transplant Department Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Western Australia Australia

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