Smart Delivery Platform Using Core-Shell Nanofibers for Sequential Drug Release in Wound Healing.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Electrospun nanofibers offer a versatile matrix for wound healing due to their biomimetic structure.
• Controlled drug delivery is crucial for optimizing wound healing phases.
• Existing platforms lack programmability for dynamic drug release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a core-shell nanofiber platform for controlled, dual-drug delivery to accelerate wound healing.
• To investigate light-triggered, localized heating for programmable drug release from the nanofiber core.
• To assess the potential of this platform for advanced wound care applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of core-shell nanofibers encapsulating drugs in the shell (poly-l-lactic acid) and gold nanorods in the core (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)).
• Characterization of drug release profiles at room temperature and under near-infrared light irradiation.
• Evaluation of light-induced heating and subsequent polymer swelling/shrinking for controlled release modulation.

Main Results:

• The shell layer demonstrated initial drug release at room temperature.
• Incorporated gold nanorods generated localized heat upon near-infrared light exposure.
• The thermally responsive core enabled programmable drug release, demonstrating a smart delivery system.

Conclusions:

• The developed core-shell nanofiber platform offers a versatile and controllable approach for wound healing.
• This technology facilitates targeted and safe drug delivery, adaptable to different healing stages.
• The platform holds potential for treating various topical diseases beyond wound care.