Physicomechanical performance and encapsulation efficiency of β-cyclodextrin loaded functional electrospun mats based on aliphatic polyesters and their blends

Designing complex-forming biodegradable and biocompatible electrospun mats (EMs) by incorporating beta- cyclodextrin (beta-CD) into polylactic acid (PLA)/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) (70:30 w/w) blend based polyester matrix. The influence of beta-CD loading on the morphological, thermal, and microstructural properties was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The studies revealed the presence of characteristic interactions between the polymer matrix and beta-CD moieties. Further, the quasi-static mechanical properties of EMs were evaluated using a universal testing machine. An enhancement in modulus and strength was obtained for similar to 2.5-5 phr of beta-CD content and beyond similar to 5 phr of beta-CD content, the mechanical properties of EMs were observed to deteriorate. The contact angle studies indicated a decrease in hydrophobicity of PLA/PCL-based EMs with the increase in beta-CD content. The swelling and weight loss studies in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) indicated a subsequent release of beta-CD from the EMs. FT-IR and H-1 NMR spectra elucidated the removal of curcumin from ethanol-water solutions and its simultaneous encapsulation in beta-CD hydrophobic cavities (released) of fabricated EMs. Thus, the study demonstrates the development of aliphatic polyester-based biodegradable-functional EMs with tunable physico-mechanical properties for biomedical applications, facilitating encapsulation and rapid removal of waste hydrophobic ultrafine molecules from the system.

Automated summary

A study was conducted on the incorporation of beta-cyclodextrin into polylactic acid/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) blend based polyester matrix to design biodegradable and biocompatible electrospun mats with tunable physico-mechanical properties. Analyses showed that the inclusion of beta-CD enhanced the modulus and strength of the mats within a certain range, but beyond a specific loading level, the mechanical properties deteriorated.