Synthesis and characterization of natural biomaterial composite nanofibers for ocular drug delivery systems

Abstract

Due to its numerous reported benefits, including biomimetic, immunomodulation, and compatibility with tissue microenvironment, natural bio composite nanomaterials are in demand as an effective replacement in the field of tissue engineering. As a result, in this study, we investigated polysaccharides containing natural materials from Coriandrum sativum(CS) and Trigonella foenum-graecum(TFG) to create a composite nanofiber matrix with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Drug-free and drug-containing versions of the natural composite nanofiber have been developed. Zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the conductivity, molecular makeup and size of the fibers (SEM). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis was used to determine the topography of the surface. To determine how natural biomaterials will affect PVA, the stiffness of the composite nanofibers was tested. Drug release from the PVA composite nanofiber matrix using HPLC analysis was conducted on fibers loaded with drugs. Primary Human tenon fibroblast cells were used to test the fibers biocompatibility. SEM analysis revealed that bead-free composite nanofibers had homogeneous dimensions ranging from 150 nm to 200 nm. The presence of heterogeneous molecules from the natural material was revealed by FTIR data in the composite nanofiber. According to the BET analysis, the addition of natural biomaterial significantly altered the surface topography. With the addition of the drug 5-Fluorouracil, the stiffness of PVA nanofibers decreased from 103 ± 6 to 70 ± 15 Kpa. At the same time, the drug improved the mechanical properties of the composite nanofiber mats, increasing stiffness from 150 ± 22 Kpa to 180 ± 17 Kpa. Human Tenon fibroblast Cell toxicity assay showed that there was a difference in the cell viability of the composite nanofibers with the drug. The release kinetics of HPLC data showed that the composite matrix fibre mat had sustained drug release for 4 hrs. Cell viability assay findings revealed that composite nanofibers did not have any significant effect on the cell viability. Further research on the toxicity of the composite material in vivo is required to determine the mechanism. This may be helpful in modulating fibrosis process post trabeculectomy surgery.