Electrospun, Resorbable, Drug-Eluting, Nanofibrous Membranes Promote Healing of Allograft Tendons

Membranes

Yu-Chen Wu¹  Ming-Yi Hsu¹  Shih-Jung Liu²  Chun-Jui Weng²  Fu-Pang Chang³ 

[1] Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan;Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan;Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;

关键词: electrospinning;    drug-eluting;    nanofibrous membrane;    allograft;    tendon repair;   

DOI  :  10.3390/membranes12050529

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In spite of advances in medical technology, the repair of Achilles tendon ruptures remains challenging. Reconstruction with an autograft tendon provides the advantage of a higher healing rate; nevertheless, the development of donor-site morbidity cannot be ignored. We developed biodegradable, drug-eluting, nanofibrous membranes employing an electrospinning technique and evaluated their effectiveness on the healing of allograft tendons. Poly-D-L-lactide-glycolide was used as the polymeric material for the nanofibers, while doxycycline was selected as the drug for delivery. The in vitro and in vivo drug-release profiles were investigated. The biomechanical properties of allografted Achilles tendons repaired using the nanofibrous membranes were tested in euthanized rabbits at 2-, 4-, and 6-week time intervals. Histological examination was performed for the evaluation of tissue reaction and tendon healing. The level of postoperative animal activity was also monitored using an animal behavior cage. The experimental results showed that the degradable nanofibers used as a vehicle could provide sustained release of doxycycline for 42 days after surgery with very low systemic drug concentration. Allograft Achilles tendon reconstruction assisted by drug-loaded nanofibers was associated with better biomechanical properties at 6 weeks post-surgery. In addition, the animals exhibited a better level of activity after surgery. The use of drug-eluting, nanofibrous membranes could enhance healing in Achilles tendon allograft reconstruction surgery.

【 授权许可】

Unknown