Assessment of antimicrobial agents, analgesics, and epidermal growth factors-embedded anti-adhesive poly(Lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofibrous membranes: In vitro and in vivo studies

Background: Postoperative tissue adhesion is a major concern for most surgeons and is a nearly unpreventable complication after abdominal or pelvic surgeries. This study explored the use of sandwich-structured antimicrobial agents, analgesics, and human epidermal growth factor (hEGF)-incorporated anti-adhesive poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofibrous membranes for surgical wounds. Materials and Methods: Electrospinning and co-axial electrospinning techniques were utilized in fabricating the membranes. After spinning, the properties of the prepared membranes were assessed. Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were utilized in assessing the in vitro and in vivo liberation profiles of the pharmaceuticals and the hEGF from the membranes. Results: The measured data suggest that the degradable anti-adhesive membranes dis-charged high levels of vancomycin/ceftazidime, ketorolac, and hEGF in vitro for more than 30, 24, and 27 days, respectively. The in vivo assessment in a rat laparotomy model indicated no adhesion in the peritoneal cavity at 14 days post-operation, demonstrating the anti-adhesive capability of the sandwich-structured nanofibrous membranes. The nanofibers also released effective levels of vancomycin, ceftazidime, and ketorolac for more than 28 days in vivo. Histological examination revealed no adverse effects. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study implied that the anti-adhesive nanofibers with sustained release of antimicrobial agents, analgesics, and growth factors might offer postoperative pain relief and infection control, as well as promote postoperative healing of surgical wounds.