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Controlled release from fibers of polyelectrolyte complexes.
I-Chien Liao1, Andrew C A Wan, Evelyn K F Yim
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Summary
This study presents a novel method for creating drug-loaded fibers using interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation. These fibers offer high encapsulation efficiency and sustained release, preserving the bioactivity of delicate compounds like proteins.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Controlled release systems often struggle with low encapsulation efficiency and reduced bioactivity for sensitive compounds like proteins.
- Existing methods may not provide sustained release profiles or maintain the integrity of encapsulated biomolecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation as a technique for fabricating drug-loaded fibers.
- To achieve high encapsulation efficiency, sustained release kinetics, and preservation of bioactivity for encapsulated compounds.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan-alginate fibers were produced via interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation at room temperature.
- The release profiles of dexamethasone, bovine serum albumin (BSA), platelet-derived growth factor-bb (PDGF-bb), and avidin were investigated.
- The influence of heparin inclusion and alginate/heparin ratios on release kinetics was examined.
Main Results:
- Fibers demonstrated tunable release times ranging from hours to weeks.
- Sustained release of BSA, PDGF-bb, and avidin for up to 3 weeks was observed without an initial burst release.
- The bioactivity of PDGF-bb was maintained throughout the 3-week release period.
- Heparin incorporation allowed for significant control over PDGF-bb release rates.
Conclusions:
- Interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation is a promising method for producing drug-loaded fibers.
- This technique enables high encapsulation efficiency, sustained release, and preservation of bioactivity.
- The developed fibers offer a versatile platform for controlled delivery of various compounds, including sensitive biomolecules.