Preparation and drug-delivery potential of metronidazole-loaded PELA tri-block co-polymeric electrospun membranes.
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of poly(ethylene glycol-co-lactide) (PELA tri-block with a segmental sequence of PLA-PEG-PLA) electrospun membranes as drug-delivery vehicles using metronidazole as a model drug. PELA membranes with smooth surfaces and no bead defects were electrospun from polymer solutions containing 20% (w/v) PELA in 8:2 N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF)/acetone. The morphology of the drug-loaded electrospun membranes was influenced by electrospinning parameters such as the flow rate and voltages during preparation. Metronidazole could be released from the electrospun membranes and was characterized by an initial burst effect. Higher voltages led to faster release rates, while an increase in the flow rate decreased the drug release. The incorporation of metronidazole into the electrospun membranes decreased their surface hydrophilicity. The amount of drug released from the electrospun membranes was effective in inhibiting microbial growth. Cell adhesion on the PELA membranes with or without drug was less than that on the homo-polymeric PDLLA membranes. Proliferation of L929 mouse fibroblasts on the PELA membranes was observed. This study confirms the potential of metronidazole-loaded PELA biodegradable electrospun membranes for optimizing the clinical therapy of post-surgical adhesions and infections.
Yang
De-Juan
DJ
Center for Degradable and Flame-Retardant Polymeric Materials (MoE), College of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China.
Xiong
Cheng-Dong
CD
Govender
Thirumala
T
Wang
Yu-Zhong
YZ
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D001441:Bacteroides fragilis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D004563:Electrochemistry; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D051379:Mice; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011091:Polyesters; C507889:polylactide-polyethylene glycol-polylactide; D008795:Metronidazole; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols