PhD Scientific Days 2022

Pharmaceutical Sciences I.

Characterization of biocompatible, nanofibrous, drug-loaded implants

Text of the abstract

Introduction
Nowadays, biocompatible polymers, such as poly(vinil alcohol) – PVA, polycalprolactone – PCL, or even poly(amino acid) based poly(succinimide) – PSI are used for medical applications such as wound dressing or different implants. By electrospinning, nanofibrous meshes can be generated with high specific surface, which can modify the solubility and the release of the applied drug. These nanofibrous meshes could be further improved if the appropriate drug is incorporated.
Aims
The aim of this work was to generate nanofibrous implants from biocompatible polymers (PVA, PSI, PCL) with different physical properties to achieve different drug release kinetics. One of the applied drugs was doxorubicin, which is the main keystone in case of intravenous chemotherapy after tumour surgery. The other component was the prednisolone, which stands for the anti-inflammation effect after implantation.
Methods
The fibre diameter was determined by scanning electron microscopy, the drug-release was investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry while the degradation was observed by magnifying camera and lux measuring device. The biocompatibility of the drug-loaded meshes was tested by cell viability measurements, using the MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cell line. The internalization of the drugs was studied by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The mechanical properties of the implants were also investigated with a mechanical tester.
Results
Nanofibrous implants with different drug release (from 1 day to weeks based on the UV-Vis spectrophotometry) were created successfully. The implants without drug showed no cytotoxic effect, but containing the appropriate concentration of doxorubicin cancer cells could be eliminated. Prednisone caused no fall in cell viability in the investigated concentration range (up to 400 µM). Doxorubicin and even PSI could be internalized by the MDA-MB-231 cells.
Conclusion
According their chemical, physical and biological properties, these drug-loaded polymer meshes could provide both anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. Applying them as a gauze or implant, they can attenuate the bleeding and provide the appropriate amount of drugs locally after a tumour surgery and might support or even substitute the intravenous chemotherapeutic treatment.
Funding
OTKA FK-137749, EFOP-3.6.3-VEKOP-16-2017-00009, TKP2021-EGA-23