Automatic in situ short-distance deposition of PLGA/PLLA composite nanofibrous membranes for personalized wound dressings

Improving the mechanical properties of wound dressings and achieving personalized automatic real-time in situ deposition are important for accelerating wound management and repair. In this study, we report a self-designed automatic in situ deposition device based on solution blow spinning (SBS) to prepare poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) composite (PLGA/PLLA) nanofibrous membranes for wound dressing at a short distance. Polymer solution and in situ deposition conditions, including air pressure, spinning distance, solvent extrusion rate, and spinning rate, were optimized using orthogonal experiments and characterized via dynamic mechanical analysis. The microscopic morphology and physical properties of the prepared PLGA/PLLA composite nanofibrous membranes show that their strength, adhesion, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), water retention, water absorption, degradation, and other properties were sufficient for wound-dressing applications. To investigate the possibility of a biomedical wound-dressing material, tannic acid (TA) was incorporated into the PLGA/PLLA composite nanofibrous membranes. The resultant PLGA/PLLA/TA composite nanofibrous membranes exhibited good biocompatibility and exceptional antibacterial properties against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. A pilot animal study illustrated the potential of this in situ deposition of PLGA/PLLA/TA composite nanofibrous membranes across multiple applications in wound healing/repair by reducing wound scar tissue formation and fibroblast overactivation.

Silk fibroin-derived electrospun materials for biomedical applications: A review

Electrospinning is a versatile technique for fabricating polymeric fibers with diameters ranging from micro- to nanoscale, exhibiting multiple morphologies and arrangements. By combining silk fibroin (SF) with synthetic and/or natural polymers, electrospun materials with outstanding biological, chemical, electrical, physical, mechanical, and optical properties can be achieved, fulfilling the evolving biomedical demands. This review highlights the remarkable versatility of SF-derived electrospun materials, specifically focusing on their application in tissue regeneration (including cartilage, cornea, nerves, blood vessels, bones, and skin), disease treatment (such as cancer and diabetes), and the development of controlled drug delivery systems. Additionally, we explore the potential future trends in utilizing these nanofibrous materials for creating intelligent biomaterials, incorporating biosensors and wearable sensors for monitoring human health, and also discuss the bottlenecks for its widespread use. This comprehensive overview illuminates the significant impact and exciting prospects of SF-derived electrospun materials in advancing biomedical research and applications.

Review on PLGA Polymer Based Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Properties and Their Application in Various Medical Conditions or Infections

The rise in the resistance to antibiotics is due to their inappropriate use and the use of a broad spectrum of antibiotics. This has also contributed to the development of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and due to the unavailability of suitable new drugs for treatments, it is difficult to control. Hence, there is a need for the development of new novel, target-specific antimicrobials. Nanotechnology, involving the synthesis of nanoparticles, may be one of the best options, as it can be manipulated by using physicochemical properties to develop intelligent NPs with desired properties. NPs, because of their unique properties, can deliver drugs to specific targets and release them in a sustained fashion. The chance of developing resistance is very low. Polymeric nanoparticles are solid colloids synthesized using either natural or synthetic polymers. These polymers are used as carriers of drugs to deliver them to the targets. NPs, synthesized using poly-lactic acid (PLA) or the copolymer of lactic and glycolic acid (PLGA), are used in the delivery of controlled drug release, as they are biodegradable, biocompatible and have been approved by the USFDA. In this article, we will be reviewing the synthesis of PLGA-based nanoparticles encapsulated or loaded with antibiotics, natural products, or metal ions and their antibacterial potential in various medical applications.