Hernias are formed when an organ, intestine or fatty tissue squeezes through a hole in the surrounding connecting tissue or muscle. Hernias are a very common medical issue that require surgery to repair. Almost 1 million hernia repair surgeries are performed each year in the U.S. Over the course of the past 20-30 years, most hernia repair surgeries have involved the use of a hernia mesh or patch implant device. When performing the repair surgery, doctors tuck the protruding tissue back into place and repair the hole or weakened tissue with the mesh. It acts as a support for the damaged tissue, which can strengthen and grow around it.

Hernia mesh was originally made out of animal product, that would then degrade over time and require a repair surgery. In the early 2000s, a new plastic hernia mesh was released to provide a permanent repair option. Unfortunately, this new product was not bio-compatible with the human body. The implantation of the hernia mesh trigged an immune system attack, resulting in inflammation and other complications. Another destructive consequence of this new hernia mesh material was that its coating degraded too quickly and caused abnormal attachment to muscles and organs inside the body.