Tunable Drug Loading and Reinforcement of Polycaprolactone Films by Means of Electrospun Nanofibers of Glycolide Segmented Copolymers

Abstract

Electrospinning of a segmented copolymer having polyglycolide hard segments is successfully performed from 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoroisopropanol solutions. During the process, a bactericidal agent, i.e., chlorhexidine (CHX), is effectively loaded, which results in nanofibers with a smaller diameter because of the change in solution conductivity. New fabrics based on molding of alternate layers of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) films and the electrospun scaffolds of the segmented copolymer are prepared and characterized. The thermal molding process renders a PCL matrix homogeneously reinforced with nanofibers that compensate for the loss of mechanical properties caused by incorporation of CHX. Release of CHX is evaluated in different media. Results vary depending on the layer where the drug is incorporated. Thus, systems with an immediate bacteriostatic effect, as well as systems with a potential long term antimicrobial effect, are obtained. Growth inhibition and adhesion assays demonstrate the fast bactericidal effect of samples with CHX loaded in its outer layers.

Continuous Fabrication of Antimicrobial Nanofiber Mats Using Post-Electrospinning Functionalization for Roll-to-Roll Scale-Up

“…By use of this approach, the antimicrobial activity is achieved by release from the fiber matrix. Examples of antimicrobials include silver and other metal oxide nanoparticles, 22,23 antibiotics, 15,24,25 organic biocides such as chlorhexidine, 26,27 and quaternary ammonium compounds. 4,28 This method often suffers from burst release which can lead to local toxicity depending on the specific agent and cause serious health concerns.…”

“…By use of this approach, the antimicrobial activity is achieved by release from the fiber matrix. Examples of antimicrobials include silver and other metal oxide nanoparticles, , antibiotics, ,, organic biocides such as chlorhexidine, , and quaternary ammonium compounds. , This method often suffers from burst release which can lead to local toxicity depending on the specific agent and cause serious health concerns. , The use of nonoptimal antibiotics can also suppress the immune system, making patients more susceptible developing antibiotic resistance. , In addition, methods that release antimicrobials inevitably face the drawback of loss of antimicrobial activities once the active species have been exhausted. As a result, alternative methods are needed to impart antimicrobial function in electrospun fibers.…”

Electrospinning of Fibrous Layers Containing an Antibacterial Chlorhexidine/Kaolinite Composite

“…With respect to these required parameters, two polymers with low degradation rates under normal conditionspolyurethane and polycaprolactonewere chosen as the polymer matrices. Chlorhexidine was chosen as the antibacterial drug, and its intercalation into clay should prevent burst release, a common drawback of nanofibrous drug carriers, − and thus toxic effect on cells. ,, Various nanocomposite concentrations were compared with respect to the incorporation of the nanocomposite into fibers and the homogeneity of its distribution in the electrospun layers. The structure of the layers was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.…”