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Comparison of Two Synthesis Methods for 3D PLA-Ibuprofen Nanofibrillar Scaffolds
Esteban Mena-Porras1, Annaby Contreras-Aleman1, María Francinie Guevara-Hidalgo1
1School of Dentistry, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, San Jose 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
Pharmaceutics
|January 25, 2025
Summary
Polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibrillar scaffolds loaded with ibuprofen were successfully synthesized using electrospinning (ES) and air-jet spinning (AJS). These biocompatible scaffolds offer sustained drug release for potential local pain relief applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Local analgesic delivery systems are crucial for managing pain and improving patient outcomes.
- Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer widely used in biomedical applications.
- Controlled release of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (IBU) from scaffolds can enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce systemic side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibrillar scaffolds loaded with ibuprofen (IBU) using electrospinning (ES) and air-jet spinning (AJS).
- To evaluate the physicochemical properties, drug release kinetics, and biocompatibility of the developed scaffolds for potential local analgesic applications.
Main Methods:
- PLA-IBU solutions with varying IBU concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%) were fabricated into nanofibrillar membranes via ES and AJS.
- Scaffold characterization involved scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.
- Drug release was quantified using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and biocompatibility was assessed through fibroblast cell culture assays.
Main Results:
- SEM confirmed the formation of randomly arranged nanofiber meshes, with AJS yielding more uniform fiber dimensions.
- Thermal analyses (DSC, TGA) and FT-IR spectroscopy validated the successful incorporation of IBU into the PLA matrix.
- Sustained ibuprofen release over 384 hours was observed from both ES and AJS scaffolds, with no significant differences (p > 0.05).
- Biocompatibility assays demonstrated good cell adhesion and viability, with cellular responses correlating to drug concentration within safe limits.
Conclusions:
- Electrospinning and air-jet spinning are effective methods for synthesizing PLA-IBU nanofibrillar scaffolds.
- The developed scaffolds exhibit stable physicochemical properties, sustained drug release, and excellent biocompatibility.
- These PLA-IBU nanofibrillar scaffolds show promise for local analgesic applications, warranting further in vivo investigation.
