Electrospun polymeric micro/nanofibrous scaffolds for long-term drug release and their biomedical applications. Issue 9 (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Qiang; Li, Yingchun; Lin, Zhi Yuan (William); Wong, Kenneth K.Y.; Lin, Min; Yildirimer, Lara; Zhao, Xin
• Is Part Of: Drug discovery today. Volume 22:Issue 9(2017)
• Page Start: 1351
• Page End: 1366
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Drugs -- Design -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Research -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.05.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-6446

Abstract

Highlights: Sustained drug release can be achieved with electrospun polymeric micro/nanofibrous scaffolds. Well-designed drug-loading techniques can prolong drug release and reduce initial burst release. Polymer choice and nature of drugs dictate scaffold physicochemical and biological properties. Such scaffolds with long-term drug release properties are expected to treat diseases and support tissue regeneration. Abstract : Electrospun polymeric micro/nanofibrous scaffolds have been investigated extensively as drug delivery platforms capable of controlled and sustained release of therapeutic agents in situ . Such scaffolds exhibit excellent physicochemical and biological properties and can encapsulate and release various drugs in a controlled fashion. This article reviews recent advances in the design and manufacture of electrospun scaffolds for long-term drug release, placing particular emphasis on polymer selection, types of incorporated drugs and the latest drug-loading techniques. Finally, applications of such devices in traumatic or disease states requiring effective and sustained drug action are discussed and critically appraised in their biomedical context. Teaser: Electrospun polymeric fibrous scaffolds with excellent physicochemical and biological properties offer great flexibility to encapsulate and release various drugs for a long term, with great potential to repair damaged or diseased tissues.