Drug-loaded electrospun nanofibrous sheets as barriers against postsurgical adhesions in mice model

Abstract

Objectives: Postsurgical adhesion is one of the common complications after surgery. Some anti-adhesion barriers are commercially available which are not customary used by physicians as much as expected because of ineffectiveness. Recently, nanofibers have been introduced as anti-adhesion barriers with the potential of drug delivery. In the light of role of inflammation and oxidative stress in adhesion formation, it is supposed that curcumin as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent is able to prevent postsurgical adhesions. Methods: In the present study, curcumin-loaded nanofibrous (Cur-PCL) sheets were prepared using electrospinning and evaluated for its anti-adhesion profile in a mice model. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), drug release and degradation investigations and also, in vivo studies were performed. Results: curcumin-loaded Cur-PCL nanofibers were successfully prepared and shown significant prevention of postsurgical adhesion formation in mice model. Release study indicated that after 30 days, about 30% of the drug is released from the electrospun nanofibers. In vivo experiments showed that postsurgical adhesion has been reduced about 50% compared to the control group. Conclusions: Cur-PCL curcumin-loaded nanofibers have the potential to decrease postsurgical adhesion formation as a barrier. This system supports the sustained release of curcumin from the nanofibers.

Keywords

• Postsurgical adhesion
• Electrospinning
• PCL
• Curcumin