Insight into levofloxacin loaded biocompatible electrospun scaffolds for their potential as conjunctival substitutes. (1st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Dan; Zhang, Siyi; Yu, Fei; Gong, Danni; Lin, Jinyou; Yao, Qinke; Fu, Yao
• Is Part Of: Carbohydrate polymers. Volume 269(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-01
• Subjects: Electrospinning -- Poly(lactic acid) -- Levofloxacin -- Conjunctival substitutes; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 547.78
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118341
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-8617

Abstract

Abstract: The rehabilitation of visual acuity with severe conjunctival fibrosis depends on ocular reconstruction with suitable conjunctival substitutes. In this study, we have developed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) electrospun nanofibrous membranes (EFMs) surface coated by cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and/or silk peptide (SP). The CNF coating improved the hydrophilicity and the SP coating proliferated conjunctival epithelial cells (CjECs). To prevent post-operative infections, the composite scaffolds were loaded with levofloxacin (LF), constantly exerting efficient bactericidal effects. In in vivo evaluations, the PLA EFMs presented excellent therapeutic effects by promoting structural and functional restoration of conjunctiva after transplant. Even with reduced topical administration of antibiotics, the coloboma treated with LF loaded scaffolds presented no infections. It could be deduced that the potent bacterial inhibition feature could save troubles for patients by minimizing the application of antibiotics post-surgery. Hence, the developed PLA EFMs loaded with LF could be promising conjunctival substitutes. Highlights: SP and CNF synthetically enhanced the biocompatibility of the PLA EFMs. The PLA EFMs could be surgically transplanted to the conjunctiva. Conjunctival defects healed better by the PLA EFMs. The incorporation of levofloxacin exhibited bactericidal effects.