Biomimetic sheath membrane via electrospinning for antiadhesion of repaired tendon

The hierarchical architecture and complex biologic functions of native sheath make its biomimetic substitute a daunting challenge. In this study, a biomimetic bilayer sheath membrane consisting of hyaluronic acid-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) (HA/PCL) fibrous membrane as the inner layer and PCL fibrous membrane as the outer layer was fabricated by a combination of sequential and microgel electrospinning technologies. This material was characterized by mechanical testing and analysis of morphology, surface wettability, and drug release. Results of an in vitro drug release study showed sustained release. The outer layer had fewer cells proliferating on its surface compared to tissue culture plates or the inner layer. In a chicken model, peritendinous adhesions were reduced and tendon gliding were improved by the application of this sheath membrane. Taken together, our results demonstrate that such a biomimetic bilayer sheath can release HA sustainably as well as promoting tendon gliding and preventing adhesion.