Activated Carbon-Enriched Electrospun-Produced Scaffolds for Drug Delivery/Release in Biological Systems

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Electrospun scaffolds are promising for drug delivery.
• Activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNs) can enhance drug binding.
• Controlling drug release from scaffolds remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop electrospun scaffolds with an outer drug retention layer using ACNs.
• To investigate the physico-chemical properties and drug delivery kinetics of these ACN-enriched scaffolds.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility of the ACN-enriched scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of polycaprolacton (PCL) suspensions with ACNs to produce homogeneous and coaxial fibers.
• Characterization of scaffold properties: fiber diameter, porosity, pore size, mechanical properties.
• Analysis of scaffold structure using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
• Assessment of drug binding and release kinetics using tritium-labeled sirolimus.
• Evaluation of biocompatibility through cell culture with human gingival fibroblasts and umbilical vein cells.

Main Results:

• ACN-enriched scaffolds were successfully produced with controlled fiber morphology.
• ACNs were found to be coated with a polymer layer within the fibers.
• The ACN-enriched scaffolds exhibited distinct sirolimus binding and release kinetics compared to free ACNs.
• Scaffolds demonstrated good physico-chemical properties and mechanical characteristics.
• Human cell lines showed good biocompatibility with the ACN-enriched scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• ACN-enriched electrospun scaffolds can function as effective drug retention layers.
• The fiber composition influences drug binding and release kinetics.
• These scaffolds possess favorable biocompatibility for potential biomedical applications.
• The developed scaffolds show promise for vectored drug delivery systems.