Coaxial electrospun nanofibers based on chitosan for controlled release of antibiotics and periodontic lesion treatment

Abstract

Periodontitis is a high-incidence disease among the population and consists of inflammation induced by microorganisms that compromises the periodontal tissues, generating lesions that are difficult to repair. The application of nonwoven fabrics composed by electrospun polymer nanofibers to restore the periodontal structures has been revealed relevant with promising results. In this context, the purpose of this study is the development of nanostructured nonwoven through coaxial electrospinning for controlled antibiotics release with high potential to be applied in periodontal regeneration. The coaxial electrospinning technique will be used to produce fibers with core-shell structure, in which tetracycline derivatives and polyvinyl alcohol will constitute the core of the fibers, whereas the shell will be formed by cross-linked chitosan with phosphate derivatives. Additionally, through the exploration and optimization of the conditions used in the electrospinning, a study will be carried out in order to produce nonwoven with asymmetric structure formed by a denser layer on which porous layers of fiber will be deposited. The obtained materials will be characterized by the morphology, average diameter of the fibers, porosity, hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of the surfaces, water absorption capacity, susceptibility to degradation by lysozyme, crystallinity and with respect to thermal and mechanical properties. In addition, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and drug release kinetics will be evaluated in vitro. This research project will contribute to the advancement in the development of systems for controlled release of drugs potentially applicable in guided tissue regeneration. (AU)