Biodegradable poly(CL-co-TOSUO)/curcumin membrane: Biocompatibility and IL-6 suppression in atherosclerosis-relevant...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Vascular Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Atherosclerotic plaque instability involves macrophage-derived foam cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
• Localized anti-inflammatory strategies are needed to manage this condition.
• Curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties relevant to atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate curcumin-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone-co-4-ethylenediol ketal-ε-caprolactone) (PCT) membranes.
• To assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of these membranes in vitro and in vivo.
• To investigate their biocompatibility and drug release characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning was used to fabricate curcumin-loaded PCT membranes.
• In vitro studies included cell viability, hemolysis, foam cell modeling, and cytokine analysis (RT-qPCR).
• In vivo studies involved subcutaneous implantation in rats, followed by histological and immunohistochemical evaluation.

Main Results:

• Curcumin-PCT membranes demonstrated sustained drug release, biodegradability, and good hemocompatibility.
• Membrane extracts inhibited macrophage activity and downregulated IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ.
• In vivo studies showed reduced leukocyte infiltration and IL-6 expression compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Curcumin-loaded PCT membranes are a biocompatible platform for localized drug delivery.
• This approach effectively targets macrophage-driven vascular inflammation, particularly IL-6 signaling.
• The developed membranes show promise for treating atherosclerotic plaque instability.