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Zhao J, Chen L, Ma A, Bai X, Zeng Y, Liu D, Liu B, Zhang W, Tang S. Recent advances in coaxial electrospun nanofibers for wound healing. Mater Today Bio 2024; 29:101309. [PMID: 39558931 PMCID: PMC11570975 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 09/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin is the body's primary immune barrier, defending it against pathogenic invasion. Skin injuries impose a significant physiological burden on patients, making effective wound management essential. Dressings are commonly employed in wound care, and electrospun nanofiber dressings are a research hotspot owing to their ease of fabrication, cost-effectiveness, and structural similarity to the extracellular matrix. Coaxial electrospinning offers considerable advantages in drug delivery, fiber structure transformation, and enhanced interaction with the host. These attributes make coaxial electrospun materials promising candidates for precision and personalized wound dressings in medical treatments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of wound healing and its influencing factors. It also outlines coaxial electrospinning's production principles and benefits in wound dressings. Guided by the factors affecting wound healing, coaxial electrospun nanofiber dressings have different application modalities. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations and future directions for enhancing the current coaxial electrospun dressing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou Plastic Surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Liyun Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou Plastic Surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Aiwei Ma
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou Plastic Surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Xujue Bai
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou Plastic Surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Yating Zeng
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou Plastic Surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Daojun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| | - Wancong Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou Plastic Surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou Plastic Surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
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Chen R, Wang P, Xie J, Tang Z, Fu J, Ning Y, Zhong Q, Wang D, Lei M, Mai H, Li H, Shi Z, Wang J, Cheng H. A multifunctional injectable, self-healing, and adhesive hydrogel-based wound dressing stimulated diabetic wound healing with combined reactive oxygen species scavenging, hyperglycemia reducing, and bacteria-killing abilities. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:444. [PMID: 39068417 PMCID: PMC11283728 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The proficient handling of diabetic wounds, a rising issue coinciding with the global escalation of diabetes cases, poses significant clinical difficulties. A range of biofunctional dressings have been engineered and produced to expedite the healing process of diabetic wounds. This study proposes a multifunctional hydrogel dressing for diabetic wound healing, which is composed of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and N1-(4-boronobenzyl)-N3-(4-boronophenyl)-N1, N1, N3, N3-teramethylpropane-1, 3-diaminium (TSPBA), and a dual-drug loaded Gelatin methacryloyl (GM) microgel. The GM microgel is loaded with sodium fusidate (SF) and nanoliposomes (LP) that contain metformin hydrochloride (MH). Notably, adhesive and self-healing properties the hydrogel enhance their therapeutic potential and ease of application. In vitro assessments indicate that SF-infused hydrogel can eliminate more than 98% of bacteria within 24 h and maintain a sustained release over 15 days. Additionally, MH incorporated within the hydrogel has demonstrated effective glucose level regulation for a duration exceeding 15 days. The hydrogel demonstrates a sustained ability to neutralize ROS throughout the entire healing process, predominantly by electron donation and sequestration. This multifunctional hydrogel dressing, which integrated biological functions of efficient bactericidal activity against both MSSA and MRSA strains, blood glucose modulation, and control of active oxygen levels, has successfully promoted the healing of diabetic wounds in rats in 14 days. The hydrogel dressing exhibited significant effectiveness in facilitating the healing process of diabetic wounds, highlighting its considerable promise for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Chen
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Pinkai Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jiajun Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zinan Tang
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jinlang Fu
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yanhong Ning
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qiang Zhong
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Mingyuan Lei
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Huaming Mai
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhanjun Shi
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Orthopedic, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Wu J, Yu F, Shao M, Zhang T, Lu W, Chen X, Wang Y, Guo Y. Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffold for Skin Tissue Engineering: A Review. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3556-3567. [PMID: 38777621 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Skin tissue engineering (STE) is widely regarded as an effective approach for skin regeneration. Several synthetic biomaterials utilized for STE have demonstrated favorable fibrillar characteristics, facilitating the regeneration of skin tissue at the site of injury, yet they have exhibited a lack of in situ degradation. Various types of skin regenerative materials, such as hydrogels, nanofiber scaffolds, and 3D-printing composite scaffolds, have recently emerged for use in STE. Electrospun nanofiber scaffolds possess distinct advantages, such as their wide availability, similarity to natural structures, and notable tissue regenerative capabilities, which have garnered the attention of researchers. Hence, electrospun nanofiber scaffolds may serve as innovative biological materials possessing the necessary characteristics and potential for use in tissue engineering. Recent research has demonstrated the potential of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds to facilitate regeneration of skin tissues. Nevertheless, there is a need to enhance the rapid degradation and limited mechanical properties of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds in order to strengthen their effectiveness in soft tissue engineering applications in clinical settings. This Review centers on advanced research into electrospun nanofiber scaffolds, encompassing preparation methods, materials, fundamental research, and preclinical applications in the field of science, technology, and engineering. The existing challenges and prospects of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds in STE are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Wu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Hangzhou CASbios Medical Company Hangzhou 310000, P. R. China
| | - Fenglin Yu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Mingfei Shao
- Hangzhou CASbios Medical Company Hangzhou 310000, P. R. China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Weipeng Lu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Hangzhou CASbios Medical Company Hangzhou 310000, P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Yihu Wang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Yanchuan Guo
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
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Huang TY, Lin JY, Su WT. Coaxial nanofibers encapsulated with Ampelopsis brevipedunculata extract and green synthesized AgNPs for wound repair. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 235:113771. [PMID: 38350205 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Aloe vera extract exhibited a pronounced antibacterial effect, while the Ampelopsis brevipedunculata extract (ABE) showcased a high antioxidant capacity for wound healing. Spherical AgNPs with a particle size of 28.82 nm crystallized in a face-centered-cubic lattice. AgNPs/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and ABE/polycaprolactone (PCL) underwent electrospinning to produce coaxial and electrosprayed nanofibers, respectively. The developed coaxial nanofibers demonstrated a strain of 159%, a Young's modulus of elasticity of 7080.14 kPa, a 3.9-fold swelling ratio, a water contact angle of 38.91°, characteristic hydrophilicity, and an adequate water vapor transmission rate of 2272 g/m2/day. ABE exhibited no cytotoxicity to L929 cells and induced a twofold increase in the cell migration rate. Upon applying the developed coaxial nanofiber on an in vivo rat model with a 9 mm wound diameter, the wound rapidly and completely healed within 10 days, with a healing speed 60% greater than that of the control group. Histopathological analysis revealed that the coaxial group did not exhibit inflammation, showed complete epithelization, and featured a well-arranged deposition of collagen on the 10th day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Yang Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jr-Ying Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Ta Su
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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Lian S, Lamprou D, Zhao M. Electrospinning technologies for the delivery of Biopharmaceuticals: Current status and future trends. Int J Pharm 2024; 651:123641. [PMID: 38029864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
This review provides an in-depth exploration of electrospinning techniques employed to produce micro- or nanofibres of biopharmaceuticals using polymeric solutions or melts with high-voltage electricity. Distinct from prior reviews, the current work narrows its focus on the recent developments and advanced applications in biopharmaceutical formulations. It begins with an overview of electrospinning principles, covering both solution and melt modes. Various methods for incorporating biopharmaceuticals into electrospun fibres, such as surface adsorption, blending, emulsion, co-axial, and high-throughput electrospinning, are elaborated. The review also surveys a wide array of biopharmaceuticals formulated through electrospinning, thereby identifying both opportunities and challenges in this emerging field. Moreover, it outlines the analytical techniques for characterizing electrospun fibres and discusses the legal and regulatory requirements for their production. This work aims to offer valuable insights into the evolving realm of electrospun biopharmaceutical delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangjie Lian
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | - Min Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; China Medical University- Queen's University Belfast Joint College (CQC), China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
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Zanchetta FC, De Wever P, Morari J, Gaspar RC, Prado TPD, De Maeseneer T, Cardinaels R, Araújo EP, Lima MHM, Fardim P. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Chitosan/HPMC/Insulin Hydrogel for Wound Healing Applications. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:168. [PMID: 38391653 PMCID: PMC10886365 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatment of chronic wounds is challenging, and the development of different formulations based on insulin has shown efficacy due to their ability to regulate oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. The formulation of insulin with polysaccharides in biohybrid hydrogel systems has the advantage of synergistically combining the bioactivity of the protein with the biocompatibility and hydrogel properties of polysaccharides. In this study, a hydrogel formulation containing insulin, chitosan, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (Chi/HPMC/Ins) was prepared and characterized by FTIR, thermogravimetric, and gel point analyses. The in vitro cell viability and cell migration potential of the Chi/HPMC/Ins hydrogel were evaluated in human keratinocyte cells (HaCat) by MTT and wound scratch assay. The hydrogel was applied to excisional full-thickness wounds in diabetic mice for twenty days for in vivo studies. Cell viability studies indicated no cytotoxicity of the Chi/HPMC/Ins hydrogel. Moreover, the Chi/HPMC/Ins hydrogel promoted faster gap closure in the scratch assay. In vivo, the wounds treated with the Chi/HPMC/Ins hydrogel resulted in faster wound closure, formation of a more organized granulation tissue, and hair follicle regeneration. These results suggest that Chi/HPMC/Ins hydrogels might promote wound healing in vitro and in vivo and could be a new potential dressing for wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Cristina Zanchetta
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Pieter De Wever
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Leuven KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joseane Morari
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Rita Caiado Gaspar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Leuven KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thaís Paulino do Prado
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Tess De Maeseneer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Leuven KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ruth Cardinaels
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Leuven KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eliana Pereira Araújo
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena Melo Lima
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Pedro Fardim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Leuven KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
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Darwesh AY, Zhang Y, Aghda NH, Alkadi F, Maniruzzaman M. Advanced 3D Electrospinning "Xspin" System: Fabrication of Bifiber Floating Oral Pharmaceutical Scaffolds for Controlled Drug Delivery. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:916-931. [PMID: 38235686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Electrospinning has become a widely used and efficient method for manufacturing nanofibers from diverse polymers. This study introduces an advanced electrospinning technique, Xspin - a multi-functional 3D printing platform coupled with electrospinning system, integrating a customised 3D printhead, MaGIC - Multi-channeled and Guided Inner Controlling printheads. The Xspin system represents a cutting-edge fusion of electrospinning and 3D printing technologies within the realm of pharmaceutical sciences and biomaterials. This innovative platform excels in the production of novel fiber with various materials and allows for the creation of highly customized fiber structures, a capability hitherto unattainable through conventional electrospinning methodologies. By integrating the benefits of electrospinning with the precision of 3D printing, the Xspin system offers enhanced control over the scaffold morphology and drug release kinetics. Herein, we fabricated a model floating pharmaceutical dosage for the dual delivery of curcumin and ritonavir and thoroughly characterized the product. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated that curcumin chemically reacted with the polymer during the Xspin process. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the solid-state properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredient after Xspin processing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the surface morphology of the Xspin-produced fibers, confirming the presence of the bifiber structure. To optimize the quality and diameter control of the electrospun fibers, a design of experiment (DoE) approach based on quality by design (QbD) principles was utilized. The bifibers expanded to approximately 10-11 times their original size after freeze-drying and effectively entrapped 87% curcumin and 84% ritonavir. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the Xspin system released 35% more ritonavir than traditional pharmaceutical pills in 2 h, with curcumin showing complete release in pH 1.2 in 5 min, simulating stomach media. Furthermore, the absorption rate of curcumin was controlled by the characteristics of the linked polymer, which enables both drugs to be absorbed at the desired time. Additionally, multivariate statistical analyses (ANOVA, pareto chart, etc.) were conducted to gain better insights and understanding of the results such as discern statistical differences among the studied groups. Overall, the Xspin system shows significant potential for manufacturing nanofiber pharmaceutical dosages with precise drug release capabilities, offering new opportunities for controlled drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Y Darwesh
- Pharmaceutical Engineering and 3D Printing (PharmE3D) Lab, Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677-1848, United States
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Yu Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Engineering and 3D Printing (PharmE3D) Lab, Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677-1848, United States
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Niloofar H Aghda
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Faez Alkadi
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Mohammed Maniruzzaman
- Pharmaceutical Engineering and 3D Printing (PharmE3D) Lab, Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677-1848, United States
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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Gürtler AL, Rades T, Heinz A. Electrospun fibers for the treatment of skin diseases. J Control Release 2023; 363:621-640. [PMID: 37820983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Skin diseases are among the most common diseases in the global population and with the growth of the aging population, they represent an increasing burden to healthcare systems worldwide. Even though they are rarely life-threatening, the suffering for those affected is high due to the visibility and physical discomfort related to these diseases. Typical symptoms of skin diseases include an inflamed, swollen or itchy skin, and therefore, there is a high demand for effective therapy options. In recent years, electrospinning has attracted considerable interest in the field of drug delivery. The technique allows producing multifunctional drug-loaded fibrous patches from various natural and synthetic polymers with fiber diameters in the nano- and micrometer range, suitable for the treatment of a wide variety of skin diseases. The great potential of electrospun fiber patches not only lies in their tunable drug release properties and the possibility to entrap a variety of therapeutic compounds, but they also provide physical and mechanical protection to the impaired skin area, exhibit a high surface area, allow gas exchange, absorb exudate due to their porous structure and are cytocompatible and biodegradable. In the case of wound healing, cell adhesion is promoted due to the resemblance of the electrospun fibers to the structure of the native extracellular matrix. This review gives an overview of the potential applications of electrospun fibers in skin therapy. In addition to the treatment of bacterial, diabetic and burn wounds, focus is placed on inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and therapeutic options for the treatment of skin cancer, acne vulgaris and herpes labialis are discussed. While we aim to emphasize the great potential of electrospun fiber patches for the treatment of skin diseases with this review paper, we also highlight challenges and limitations of current research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Gürtler
- Department of Pharmacy, LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Rades
- Department of Pharmacy, LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrea Heinz
- Department of Pharmacy, LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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