Influence of Hydrogel on Degradation Behavior and Mechanical Strength of Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Fibers in Fiber- Hydrogel Composite Systems

摘要

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a widely used biomaterial in drug delivery systems because of its biodegradability and biocompatibility [1]. Polyester bonds in PLGA are broken in aqueous environments and small oligomers are formed. PLGA starts to erode when water soluble oligomers are formed. The degradation rate of PLGA can be modulated by varying LA/GA ratio and molecular weight [2]. Electrospinning is a unique technique to fabricate nanofibers [3]. Meso-/nanofibers are formed in a high electrical field in which charged polymer solution droplets repel each other, bend and stretch before they land on the collecting target [4-7]. These fibers form an interconnected porous network which gives room for cells to move through while drugs are released. Additionally, electrospinning increases hydrophilicity of PLGA [8]. PLGA fiber mats were embedded into hydrogels to enhance the mechanical strength of the drug-delivery system. In this study, we investigate the in-vitro degradation behavior of PLGA electrospun fibers and the influence of hydrogels on the degradation and mechanical properties of PLGA fibers.