Drug release system based on a composite polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane with dual functionality of shape memory...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing advanced materials for biomedical applications is crucial.
• Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers offer a versatile platform for drug delivery and tissue engineering.
• Integrating multiple functionalities into a single material enhances its therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a multifunctional composite membrane using polycaprolactone nanofibers.
• To incorporate controlled drug release, shape memory effect, and antibacterial properties.
• To investigate the influence of graphene oxide, zinc oxide nanoparticles, polyethylene glycol, and berberine on the membrane's performance.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning technique was employed to fabricate the composite membrane.
• Characterization of morphology, crystalline degree, and thermal properties was performed.
• Evaluation of shape memory recovery, drug release kinetics, and antibacterial activity was conducted.

Main Results:

• The composite membrane exhibited enhanced shape memory recovery (76.3%) compared to pure PCL (22.8%).
• Improved wettability led to significant berberine (BBR) release (42.7 wt%) over 40 hours.
• Effective antibacterial activity and controllable BBR release based on deformation ratio were demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite nanofiber membrane shows promise as a smart material for biomedical applications.
• Potential applications include advanced wound dressings and sophisticated drug delivery systems.
• The synergistic effects of incorporated components enable tailored material properties for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.