Applications of fibrous meshes for localized chemotherapy have been limited by the lack of optimal carriers that are capable of releasing sufficient drug locally. To overcome this obstacle, we introduced Pluronic F127 (PF127) to the camptothecin (CPT)-loaded poly(lactic acid/glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun fibrous meshes, abbreviated as PPC, for modulation of drug release. These PPC meshes had smooth surface and high drug loading (5.6-6.8%). Addition of PF127 obviously improved the hydrophilicity of the meshes. Interestingly, the CPT release rate of PPC meshes was significantly higher than that of CPT-loaded PLGA (PLGA-CPT) meshes. Most importantly, incorporation of PF127 in the meshes led to significant reduction in the CT-26 viability compared to PLGA-CPT mesh. The improved anticancer effects of PPC meshes were mainly due to the induction of apoptosis in CT-26 cells. These findings suggest that PPC mesh could be a promising implantable system that may enhance the therapeutic efficacy and prevent tumor recurrence after surgical resection.
Keywords: Anti-cancer activity; Colon cancer; Electrospun fiber; Enhanced drug release; Pluronic F127.
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