Development of nanofibrous membranes for prevention of peritoneal and tendon adhesions

To improve current problems facing anti-adhesion products, we propose to use electrospinning to fabricate porous core-shell nanofibrous membranes as anti-adhesion barriers. The nanofibrous membrane will have microporous pores to allow diffusion of nutrients, while block penetration of cells at surgical sites to prevent adhesion formation. The membranes will also have good mechanical properties and flexibility for application at surgical sites by surgeons after surgery. We propose to combine two biodegradable biopolymers with anti-adhesion properties, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hyaluronic acid (HA), to produce anti-adhesion barrier nanofibrous membranes for translational medicine study. The electrospun membranes will be HA/PLA core/shell nanofibrous membrane. The thickness of core/shell layer will be controlled by adjusting the flow rates of the HA and PLA solutions flowing through the inner and outer regions of the co-axial needle, respectively, during the electrospinning step. The controlled release rate of HA and the degradation rate of the membrane could be controlled by a facile combination of the core-shell layer thickness. The membrane with a faster HA releases and membrane degradation rate will be suitable for prevention of peritoneal adhesion. In contrast, the membrane with a slower HA releases and membrane degradation rate will be a good peritendinous anti-adhesion barrier. We will carry out in vivo tests of the safety and efficacy of the nanofibrous membranes.

Project ID:PG10510-0017
External Project ID:MOHW105-TDU-PB-212-000009