Nano- and Microfiber PVB Patches as Natural Oil Carriers for Atopic Skin Treatment

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a widespread disorder, with researchers constantly looking for more efficacious treatments. Natural oils are reported to be an effective therapy for dry skin, and medical textiles can be used as an alternative or supporting therapy. In this study, fibrous membranes from poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVB) with low and high molecular weights were manufactured to obtain nano- and micrometer fibers via electrospinning for the designed patches used as oil carriers for atopic skin treatment. The biocompatibility of PVB patches was analyzed using proliferation tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which combined with a focused ion beam (FIB) allowed for the 3D visualization of patches. The oil spreading tests with evening primrose, black cumin seed, and borage were verified with cryo-SEM, which showed the advantage nanofibers have over microfibers as carriers for low-viscosity oils. The skin tests expressed the usability and the enhanced oil delivery performance for electrospun patches. We demonstrate that through the material nano- and microstructure, commercially available polymers such as PVB have great potential to be deployed as a biomaterial in medical applications, such as topical treatments for chronic skin conditions.

Electrospun PCL Patches with Controlled Fiber Morphology and Mechanical Performance for Skin Moisturization via Long-Term Release of Hemp Oil for Atopic Dermatitis

“…The designed patches consisting of the layered sPCL/pPCL fibers increased the hemp oil release on volunteers’ skin up to 55% within 6 h. In previous studies, the patches based on electrospun PVB fibers showed approx. 13% release of evening primrose oil within 1 h [ 24 ]. The prolonged-release carriers are in high demand in AD treatment, as the moisturization time is elongated.…”

“…To examine the spreading and release of oil on PCL patches we used hemp seed oil with surface-free energy (SFE) of 31.7 ± 0.6 mN·m −1 and viscosity of 50.6 ± 0.2 MPa·s. The SFE and viscosity were measured, as previously reported [ 24 ]. PCL patches were placed onto the skin model, and the volume of 25 µL of hemp oil was deposited per sample, see Figure 1 .…”

Enhanced Cells Anchoring to Electrospun Hybrid Scaffolds With PHBV and HA Particles for Bone Tissue Regeneration

“…The obtained diameter of PHBV fibers was close to the value of 2.79 ± 0.2 μm, as previously reported ( Kaniuk et al, 2020 ). The morphology and size of fibers prepared via electrospinning were affected by the polymer solution, environmental conditions, and applied electric field ( Krysiak et al, 2020 ; Szewczyk et al, 2020 ). It was followed by mechanical ( Ura et al, 2020 ) and surface properties ( Metwally et al, 2020 ).…”

Enhanced mechanical performance and wettability of PHBV fiber blends with evening primrose oil for skin patches improving hydration and comfort

“…23,75 However, the size of the fibers in the mat is an important factor. 23,24,75 Electrospun PHBV fibers and polymer blend fibers with oil are characterized by an increase in the fiber diameter along with the amount of added oil. Therefore, the largest area of diffusion can be observed for pure PHBV fibers and a smaller area for oily fibers.…”