Feng Y., Zhang Y.Z., Yong T., Ramakrishna S.
National University of Singapore, SG
Keywords: BSA, controlled drug delivery, core-shell, HDF, nanofiber, PCL, scaffold
Electrospun core-shell structured nanofibers encapsulating BSA were explored as a potential drug delivery model in a biological system in present study. These nanofibers were prepared by coaxial electrospinning method with poly (caprolactone) (PCL) as the shell and BSA as the core. In order to obtain fibers encapsulating different amount of proteins, graded flow rates were set for the core component when performing electrospinning, while the feed rate for the shell component was constant. In a novel approach, the core component BSA was dissolved in 0.1 M phosphate-buffered solution (pH 7.4) during electrospinning, which could provide considerable protections for drug’s bioactivity. These fibers were characterized for their structure, in vitro release, and interactions with human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The core-shell structure of the nanofibers was confirmed by TEM and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Release kinetic studies of these core-shell structured nanofibers in the absence of HDFs showed a gradual release of BSA for over thirty days instead of a burst release profile. Faster release of BSA was observed when HDFs were cultured on these fibers. These results suggest that the core-shell structured nanofibers could possibly have great potentials as a novel controlled drug delivery system, as well as tissue engineering scaffolds encapsulating growth factors, enzymes, bioactive molecules, drugs, and even antibiotics for tissue repair and regeneration.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 377 - 380
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Materials for Drug & Gene Delivery
ISBN: 0-9767985-7-3