Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.123, No.1, 209-217, 2012
Doxorubicin-Loaded Ultrafine PEG-PLA Fiber Mats Against Hepatocarcinoma
The purpose of this study was to evaluate both cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities of implantable doxorubicin hydrocloride (Dox)-loaded diblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactic acid) (PEG-PLA) fiber mats (hereafter medicated mats). For in vitro evaluation, SMMC7721 cells were directly exposed to the medicated fiber mats, followed with MTT assay. For in vivo evaluation, the medicated mats were locally implanted into H22 tumor-bearing mice, followed with detection of Fas protein and flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that in vitro cytotoxicity of medicated fibers were sustained throughout the whole experiment process with the degradation of fiber matrix, while that of pure Dox was reduced in six days; medicated fibers had superior in vivo anticancer activities to pure Dox (P < 0.01). In conclusion, Doxorubicin-loaded PEG-PLA electrospun fiber mats had the properties of loading doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) and sustained release of Dox from medicated fiber matrix and apparently retained both in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo anticancer activities in a long term. Medicated fiber mats are therefore suitable for a local therapy device. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 209-217, 2012