Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
12:21
Fabrication and Characterization of Griffithsin-modified Fiber Scaffolds for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Published on: October 31, 2017
Endogenously triggered electrospun fibres for tailored and controlled antibiotic release
Rachna Dave1, Prithi Jayaraj, Puthuparampil K Ajikumar
1Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Facilities, Kalpakkam, 603 102, India. rachnadj@igcar.gov.in
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|June 26, 2013
Summary
Enzyme-embedded antibiotic-releasing polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers offer tunable drug delivery. Modulating lipase concentration controlled gentamicin sulfate release and fiber lifetime, demonstrating effective antibacterial activity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers are promising for drug delivery.
- Controlling drug release rates and material degradation is crucial for tunable delivery systems.
- Enzyme incorporation offers a potential mechanism for controlled polymer degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess enzyme-embedded PCL electrospun fibers for tunable antibiotic release.
- To investigate the role of lipase in PCL matrix degradation for controlled drug delivery.
- To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the developed drug delivery system.
Main Methods:
- Gentamicin sulfate (GS) and lipase were incorporated into PCL electrospun fibers.
- Hydrophobic ion pairing and surfactant coating were used for component stabilization.
- Fiber degradation and GS release were analyzed by varying lipase concentration.
- Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed.
Main Results:
- Initial attempts with surfactant-coated lipase failed to achieve sustained GS release or fiber degradation.
- Unmodified lipase successfully induced PCL fiber degradation with characteristic perforations.
- Modulating lipase concentration (1-28 U/w/w) allowed tuning of GS release rates (0.53-32 mg/ml/d).
- Fiber lifetime was tunable from 10 hours to 25 days, with consistent antibacterial activity.
Conclusions:
- Enzyme-embedded PCL electrospun fibers can provide tunable antibiotic release and degradation profiles.
- Unmodified lipase is effective in controlling PCL matrix degradation for drug delivery.
- The developed system demonstrates potential for sustained antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
