*2.3. Mesh Coating and Study Groups*

A lightweight, monofilament, polypropylene (PP) mesh material was used (Optilene Mesh Elastic; B. Braun, Melsungen, Germany). Under sterile conditions, the mesh was cut into 1 cm<sup>2</sup> squares that were subsequently coated with the different polymeric compounds, by means of the casting technique. Using a Pasteur pipette, 300 µL of the corresponding compound were dropped onto each mesh, and coated samples were dried at room temperature for 24 h. The coated meshes were sterilized with ethylene oxide at 40 ◦C for 20 h. Four study groups were established:

