Electrospun, Resorbable, Drug-Eluting, Nanofibrous Membranes Promote Healing of Allograft Tendons

Abstract

In spite of advances in medical technology, the repair of Achilles tendon ruptures remains challenging. Reconstruction with an autograft tendon provides the advantage of a higher healing rate; nevertheless, the development of donor-site morbidity cannot be ignored. We developed biodegradable, drug-eluting, nanofibrous membranes employing an electrospinning technique and evaluated their effectiveness on the healing of allograft tendons. Poly-D-L-lactide-glycolide was used as the polymeric material for the nanofibers, while doxycycline was selected as the drug for delivery. The in vitro and in vivo drug-release profiles were investigated. The biomechanical properties of allografted Achilles tendons repaired using the nanofibrous membranes were tested in euthanized rabbits at 2-, 4-, and 6-week time intervals. Histological examination was performed for the evaluation of tissue reaction and tendon healing. The level of postoperative animal activity was also monitored using an animal behavior cage. The experimental results showed that the degradable nanofibers used as a vehicle could provide sustained release of doxycycline for 42 days after surgery with very low systemic drug concentration. Allograft Achilles tendon reconstruction assisted by drug-loaded nanofibers was associated with better biomechanical properties at 6 weeks post-surgery. In addition, the animals exhibited a better level of activity after surgery. The use of drug-eluting, nanofibrous membranes could enhance healing in Achilles tendon allograft reconstruction surgery.

Nanofibrous scaffolds for the healing of the fibrocartilaginous enthesis: advances and prospects

“…For the same purpose, PLGA nanofiber pads doped with doxycycline were prepared and evaluated in vivo using a rabbit model. 124 As shown in Fig. 5f, this PLGA nanofiber pad provides continuous release of doxycycline for more than 42 days in vitro .…”

Development of novel hybrid 3D-printed degradable artificial joints incorporating electrospun pharmaceutical- and growth factor-loaded nanofibers for small joint reconstruction

“…To prepare the drug-loaded nano bers, a mixture of 93.3 mg each of teicoplanin, ceftazidime, and ketorolac was combined with 800 mg PLGA and 5 mL HFIP. The solution was spun using a laboratory-made spinning device [23]. The conditions were set as follows: voltage, 18 kV; ow rate of the mixture, 0.2 mL/h; and distance between nozzle and collection table, 15 cm.…”

Biodegradable Polymer Electrospinning for Tendon Repairment

“…When poly-D-L-lactide-glycolide (PLGA) is used as the polymer material of the nanofiber membrane, doxycycline drug elutes the nanofiber membrane. Histological examinations and monitoring of postoperative animal activity levels have shown that the nanofiber membrane can promote the healing of tendon rupture, and can be used as an auxiliary tool for Achilles tendon homotransplantation and reconstruction surgery [ 66 ].…”