International Journal of Nanomedicine (Jan 2020)
Doxycycline-Embedded Nanofibrous Membranes Help Promote Healing of Tendon Rupture
Abstract
Chun-Jui Weng,1,2 Demei Lee,2 Jui Ho,2 Shih-Jung Liu1,2 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, TaiwanCorrespondence: Shih-Jung LiuBiomaterials Lab, Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 333, TaiwanTel +886-3-2118166Fax +886-3-2118558Email [email protected]: Despite recent advancements in surgical techniques, the repair of tendon rupture remains a challenge for surgeons. The purpose of this study was to develop novel doxycycline-loaded biodegradable nanofibrous membranes and evaluate their efficacy for the repair of Achilles tendon rupture in a rat model.Materials and Methods: The drug-loaded nanofibers were prepared using the electrospinning process and drug release from the prepared membranes was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of the drug-loaded nanofibrous membranes were evaluated in rats that underwent tendon surgeries. An animal behavior cage was employed to monitor the post-surgery activity of the animals.Results: The experimental results demonstrated that poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanofibers released effective concentrations of doxycycline for more than 40 days post-surgery, and the systemic plasma drug concentration was low. Rats receiving implantation of doxycycline-loaded nanofibers also showed greater activities and stronger tendons post-operation.Conclusion: Nanofibers loaded with doxycycline may have great potential in the repair of Achilles tendon rupture.Keywords: doxycycline, tendon, nanofibrous membrane
