Biodegradable andrographolide-eluting nanofibrous membranes for the treatment of cervical cancer

Background: In this study, we developed biodegradable andrographolide (AG)-eluting nanofibrous mats and evaluated their efficacy in treating cervical cancer. Materials and methods: Membranes of two different poly[(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide] (PLGA)-to-AG ratios (6:1 and 3:1) were prepared via electrospinning technology. The liberation behavior of AG was evaluated. A cervical cancer model with C57BL/6J mice was created and employed for an in vivo efficacy assessment of the drug-eluting nanofibers. Twelve mice with cervical cancer were stochastically divided into three different groups (four animals per group): group A received no treatment as the control, group B was treated with pure PLGA mats, and group C was treated with AG-loaded nanofibrous membranes. The changes in tumor sizes were recorded. Results: All membranes eluted high concentrations of AG at the target area for three weeks, while the systemic drug concentration in the blood remained low. Histological analysis showed no obvious tissue inflammation. Compared with the mice in groups A and B, the tumor size of the mice in group C decreased with time until day 25, when the daily drug concentration reduced to 3 µg/mL. Conclusion: Biodegradable nanofibers with a sustainable release of AG exhibit adequate efficacy and durability for the treatment of mice with cervical cancer.