Functional Polysaccharide Sutures Prepared by Wet Fusion of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Complexation Fibers

Abstract

This study reports polysaccharide-based fibers that can be utilized as biocompatible functional sutures. Fibers are spontaneously formed by spinning at the interface between two oppositely charged polysaccharide solutions. Unlike the common belief that polysaccharide fibers prepared by electrostatic interactions would exhibit weak mechanical strength, it is demonstrated that fibers spun at the interface between two droplets of positively charged chitosan and negatively charged heparin can exhibit high mechanical strength through spontaneous wet-state fusion of interfiber strands at a spinning wheel. Dry solidification results in multistranded fibers that were ≈100 µm in diameter with a tensile strength of ≈220 MPa. Post fibrous manipulation yields various morphology with straight or twisted fibers, fabrics, or springs. To demonstrate application of the fiber, it is applied as a medical suture. As heparin has a unique ability to bind adeno-associated virus (AAV), a therapeutic, biocompatible suture exhibiting localized AAV-mediated gene delivery function can be prepared. This study shows that multistrand fusion of fibers, formed by weak, electrostatic interactions and followed by drying solidification counterintuitively results in mechanically strong, functional fibers with various potential applications.

Multifunctional Fluorescent Main-Chain Charged Polyelectrolytes Synthesized by Cascade C–H Activation/Annulation Polymerizations

“…Interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) fibers are formed through interactions at the interface of oppositely charged polymers, which have been used in many fields such as flexible electronics, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensing. 59 physically blending or staining the fibers with organic dyes or quantum dots (QDs). 62,63 However, the additional incorporation of fluorescent dyes has inherent disadvantages.…”

Combination of natural polyanions and polycations based on interfacial complexation for multi-functionalization of wound dressings

“…Compared with current PEC film based on homogeneous complexation, we Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology frontiersin.org presented a novel multilayer film based on interfacial complexation (Figure 1). Interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC), based on interactions at the interface of oppositely charged polymers, has been applied to fabricate fibers and capsules since 1998 (Wan et al, 2016;Do et al, 2017), but has rarely been used for the construction of multilayer films. During the preparation process, it is worth noting that a distinct and integrated gel layer owing to interfacial complexation can be observed at the interface of the two solutions.…”

Polymer Complex Fiber: Property, Functionality, and Applications

“…The in vivo test also revealed the PE-PCF experienced a relatively slow degradation phase up to four months due to the stiffness of CHI in the fiber. 127 The anionic ALG can participate in electrostatic interaction or coordination with metal ions and provide additional cross-linking within the network. Owing to their nontoxicity, high water uptake, and degradability, the ALG-based PCFs are widely used to deliver drugs and construct platform for cell proliferation.…”

“…Biomedical Materials. PCFs based on natural biomaterials have been developed for biomedical applications exploiting the advantages of aqueous compatibility, biocompatibility, robust mechanical properties, and dynamic response, including tissue engineering scaffolds, 151−153 wound healing, 119,127,154,155 and drug delivery and release (Figure 14). 156−158 Tissue engineering scaffolds are a promising strategy to achieve local regeneration of malfunctioning tissues and organs by culturing cells on biocompatible scaffolds.…”

“…However, its superior biocompatibility without causing severe immune responses or scar tissue formation, and the capability of binding AAV vectors, could provide the extended time for sustained gene expression at local incision sites for gene therapy. 127 Drug delivery refers to technologies, formulations, approaches, and systems for delivering pharmaceutical agents into human tissues to safely realize their expected therapeutic effect, often focusing on tumor tissue. 162 While many strategies exist for the delivery and release of drugs, fibers provide mechanical support for a wide range of applications and a structure with high surface area for cell adhesion.…”