Electrospun matrices for localized drug delivery: current technologies and selected biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Electrospinning fabricates nano- to micrometer-sized fibrous matrices using diverse materials and techniques.
• Post-spinning modifications enhance the versatility of these matrices for tailored applications.
• Electrospun scaffolds are increasingly explored for advanced drug delivery functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of current developments in manufacturing electrospun matrices for drug delivery.
• To discuss efficient drug loading and release strategies within these matrices.
• To highlight biomedical applications and future prospects of electrospun drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Overview of electrospinning fabrication techniques for matrix production.
• Discussion of post-spinning modification strategies for enhanced functionality.
• Analysis of drug loading and release mechanisms for various therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• Electrospun matrices can incorporate a wide range of drugs, including small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and mRNA.
• Diverse biomedical applications show promising results, leveraging the combined features of fibrous structures and drug delivery.
• Significant variation is possible in scaffold material, spatial design, and surface modification.

Conclusions:

• Electrospun scaffolds are highly versatile for incorporating various drugs, offering substantial design flexibility.
• The wide array of parameters in development may hinder clinical translation.
• Further research is needed to bridge the gap between concept development and therapeutic reality.