Nanofiber Hydrogel Drug Delivery System for Prevention of Postsurgical Intestinal Adhesion

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Postsurgical intestinal adhesion (PIA) is a frequent complication of abdominal surgery, leading to significant health issues like obstruction and infertility.
• Current prevention methods using hydrogels or nanofibrous films have limitations.
• Developing advanced barrier materials is crucial for mitigating PIA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dual-structure drug delivery patch for preventing postsurgical intestinal adhesion.
• To investigate the efficacy of a combined anti-inflammatory and pro-repair drug delivery system.

Main Methods:

• A dual-structure patch (NHP) was created using poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanofibers and a chitosan hydrogel.
• PLGA nanofibers were loaded with deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) for sustained release.
• The chitosan hydrogel was loaded with dexamethasone (DXMS) for rapid release.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel component rapidly released DXMS, providing acute anti-inflammatory effects.
• The PLGA nanofibers sustained DFO release, promoting peritoneal repair via angiogenesis.
• In vivo studies demonstrated that NHP effectively prevented PIA by reducing inflammation and vascularization.

Conclusions:

• The NHP patch successfully inhibits postsurgical intestinal adhesion.
• This dual-drug delivery system shows significant potential for clinical application in preventing PIA.
• NHP offers a promising strategy for improving surgical outcomes and patient recovery.