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Controlled curcumin release from nanofibers based on amphiphilic-block segmented polyurethanes.
Ali Shababdoust1, Mojgan Zandi1, Morteza Ehsani2
1Biomaterials Department, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute, P.O. Box: 14965/115, Tehran, Iran.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|December 15, 2019
Summary
Biodegradable segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) loaded with curcumin nanofibers show potential for advanced wound dressings. These materials offer sustained drug release and significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Biodegradable amphiphilic-block segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) are crucial for advanced biomedical applications.
- Curcumin exhibits potent antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Effective wound dressings require materials with good mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and controlled drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel biodegradable amphiphilic-block SPUs.
- To develop curcumin-loaded SPU nanofibers for wound dressing applications.
- To evaluate the mechanical properties, drug release kinetics, antibacterial efficacy, and biocompatibility of the developed materials.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of di-block and tri-block SPUs using polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) macrodiols.
- Preparation of curcumin-loaded SPU nanofibers via electrospinning.
- Characterization of SPU properties, including mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, and biodegradation.
- In vitro curcumin release studies using UV-Vis spectroscopy.
- Antibacterial activity assays against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Cytotoxicity assessment using MTT assay on L929 mouse fibroblast cells.
Main Results:
- Tri-block SPUs with PEG-PCL-PEG soft segments exhibited high elongation at break (350% for mat, 1500% for film).
- Curcumin release was sustained over 18 days, with increased release rates observed for SPUs with higher PEG content.
- Curcumin-loaded SPU nanofibers demonstrated high antibacterial efficacy (100% against E. coli, 93% against S. aureus).
- MTT assay confirmed the non-toxic behavior of the SPU scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized biodegradable SPUs possess excellent mechanical properties and tunable hydrophilicity, making them suitable for wound dressing applications.
- Curcumin-loaded SPU nanofibers act as effective nanoscale sustained release carriers with significant antibacterial activity.
- SPUs with PEG-PCL-PEG soft segments are promising candidates for wound dressings, particularly for tissues experiencing significant deformation.
