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Updated: May 20, 2026
Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules
Published on: August 19, 2015
Anti-inflammatory entrapment in polycaprolactone/silica hybrid material prepared by sol-gel route, characterization,
Michelina Catauro1, Flavia Bollino
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Second University of Naples, Aversa - Italy.
Aim:
A novel organic/inorganic hybrid material, based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and silica (SiO₂), were synthesized by the sol-gel method. An anti-inflammatory agent (indomethacin) was incorporated into the hybrid material to verify its local controlled drug delivery system.
Methods:
The structure of the interpenetrating network was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphology of the materials was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The structure of a molecular level dispersion was disclosed by atomic force microscopy. The bioactivity of the synthesized hybrid materials was revealed by the formation of a layer of hydroxyapatite on the surface of samples soaked in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Release kinetics in SBF were subsequently investigated. The amount of drug released was detected by UV-VIS spectroscopy.
Results:
Pure anti-inflammatory agent exhibited linear release with time; in contrast, sol-gel silica entrapped drugs were released with a logarithmic time dependence starting with an initial burst effect followed by a gradual decrease.
Conclusions:
SiO₂/PCL (3, 6, 9 and 12 %wt) materials, prepared via sol-gel process, are organic/inorganic hybrid and bioactive materials. All the materials showed a good release and therefore could be used as drug delivery system.
