We developed biodegradable drug-eluting prolapse mats using solution-extrusion 3D printing and coaxial electrospinning techniques. The mats were composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) mesh and lidocaine-, estradiol-, metronidazole-, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)-incorporated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers that mimic the structure of the natural extracellular matrix of most connective tissues. The mechanical properties of degradable prolapse membrane were assessed and compared to commercial non-degradable polypropylene knitted meshes clinically used for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. The release behaviors of the drug-loaded hybrid degradable membranes were also characterized. The experimental results suggest that 3D-printed PCL meshes exhibited comparable strengths to commercial POP meshes and survived through 10,000 cycles of fatigue test without breakage. Hybrid PCL meshes/PLGA nanofibrous membranes provided a sustainable release of metronidazole, lidocaine, and estradiol for 4, 25, and 30 days, respectively, in vitro. The membranes further liberated high levels of CTGF for more than 30 days. The animal tests show that the mechanical property of PCL mesh decreased with time, mainly due to degradation of the polymers post-implantation. No adverse effect of the mesh/nanofibers was noted in the histological images. By adopting solution-extrusion 3D printing and coaxial electrospinning, degradable drug-eluting membranes can be fabricated for POP applications.
Keywords: coaxial electrospinning; nanofibers; poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); polycaprolactone; prolapse membrane; solution-extrusion 3D printing.