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Published on: August 28, 2015
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Silybin-Functionalized PCL Electrospun Fibrous Membranes for Potential Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications
Christina Spartali1, Anna-Maria G Psarra1, Sotirios I Marras1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
Polymers
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Silybin was electrospun into poly-ε-caprolactone fibers, creating a composite material. This material effectively inhibits tumor cell growth and demonstrates antioxidant properties, offering potential for new drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Silybin, a natural flavonolignan, possesses known anticancer, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties.
- Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of bioactive compounds like silybin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) fibers loaded with silybin (1, 3, and 5 wt%) using electrospinning.
- To evaluate the morphological, thermal, and drug release characteristics of the silybin-PCL composite fibers.
- To assess the cytocompatibility and biological activities, including anticancer and antioxidant effects, of the developed composite membranes.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning was employed to create silybin-loaded PCL fibers.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for morphological evaluation.
- UV-Vis spectrophotometry quantified silybin encapsulation efficiency and release rates.
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) assessed thermal properties.
- In vitro cytocompatibility assays and antioxidant activity tests were performed on cell lines.
Main Results:
- SEM confirmed the formation of uniform composite fibrous structures.
- DSC and TGA indicated interactions between PCL and silybin, influencing thermal stability.
- Silybin release kinetics were characterized, demonstrating controlled release profiles.
- Composite membranes showed dose-dependent inhibition of tumor cell proliferation.
- Normal cell proliferation remained unaffected, and significant antioxidant activity was observed.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun silybin-PCL composite fibers represent a promising platform for drug delivery.
- The composite material exhibits significant anticancer and antioxidant potential.
- Further research into these silybin-PCL composites could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
