Inhibiting Friction-Induced Exogenous Adhesion via Robust Lubricative Core-Shell Nanofibers for High-Quality Tendon...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Tendon injuries often suffer from poor self-repair due to friction-induced exogenous adhesion.
• Current treatments struggle to balance lubrication and endogenous healing promotion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop electrospun dual-functional nanofibers for enhanced tendon repair.
• To create a lubricative/repairable core-shell structured nanofibrous membrane (L/R-NM) that reduces adhesion and promotes healing.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial electrospinning and in situ nanocoating growth techniques were used to fabricate the L/R-NM.
• The L/R-NM features a zwitterionic PMPC polymer shell for lubrication and a core for sustained platelet-rich plasma release.
• In vitro friction tests, cell experiments, and in vivo rat tendon injury models were employed for evaluation.

Main Results:

• L/R-NM demonstrated robust superlubricated performance and antiadhesive properties in vitro.
• The membrane effectively inhibited friction-induced exogenous adhesion in a rat tendon injury model.
• Sustained release of platelet-rich plasma from the core promoted endogenous healing.

Conclusions:

• The developed L/R-NM offers a promising strategy for improving tendon repair quality.
• This dual-functional nanofibrous material addresses the challenge of friction in tendon healing.
• L/R-NM presents a novel approach for tendon regeneration by combining lubrication and bioactive delivery.