Multi-component supramolecular fibers with elastomeric properties and controlled drug release

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Supramolecular materials offer modular platforms for tissue engineering by introducing specific functions.
• Ureido-pyrimidinones (UPy) enable versatile functionalization through non-covalent interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and characterize core-shell fiber meshes for tissue engineering with tunable drug release capabilities.
• To investigate the influence of PEG chain length and supramolecular crosslinking on mechanical properties and drug elution.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial electrospinning of UPy-poly(hexamethylene carbonate) (UPy-PC) core and UPy-poly(ethylene glycol) (UPy-PEG) shell.
• Mechanical property testing (Young's modulus, elongation at break).
• Drug release experiments with varying drug hydrophilicity and UPy-PEG modification.

Main Results:

• Hydrated UPy-PC/UPy-PEG meshes exhibited a Young's modulus of ~0.5 MPa and 600% elongation at break.
• Drug release profiles were dependent on drug hydrophilicity and matrix interactions.
• UPy-modification of drugs significantly increased their retention time in the UPy-PEG shell.

Conclusions:

• The developed core-shell supramolecular fiber mesh is a versatile drug delivery vehicle.
• The system demonstrates tunable mechanical properties and controlled drug elution for advanced material applications.
• This approach holds promise for applications requiring strong, durable materials with integrated drug delivery functions.