BioSurfaces’ patented electrospinning process allows incorporation of drugs, growth factors, radiopaque agents, or other bioactives directly into the fibers of both degradable and non-degradable materials. Where most biomaterials are manufactured under high-heat conditions and then dip-coated for drug delivery, BioSurfaces’ entire manufacturing process is conducted at room temperature, allowing drugs to be added when the polymer solution is made. By electrospinning a polymer solution already containing the desired bioactive(s), the nanofibrous ESP material is produced with an amorphous dispersion of the bioactive within each polymer fiber.
The advantages to drug-loading with this technology compared to existing technologies are compelling:
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Unprecedented duration of biologically effective drug release (>60 days in high flow environment)
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Bioavailability is often increased due to extensive dispersion of the agent
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No extraneous binding agents are necessary, reducing the potential for adverse complications
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Ultra-high surface area provides complete release of loaded drugs, even from non-degradables
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Release rate can be tailored by modifying electrospinning parameters and fiber size
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Drug-loading in low dosages (0.5-5% weight) strengthens the polymer by increasing crystallinity
Outperforming Industry Standards
Devices that are widely regarded as the gold-standards in clinical setting simply cannot compete with our drug-loaded electrospun materials when tested side by side. The images below show how our materials perform compared to commonly used devices.
Combat Gauze Versus ESP Bioactive Bandage
Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEMs) were taken after exposing each bandage material to human blood for 2.5 minutes. Combat Gauze, left, the standard-issue bandage for US soldiers, showed minimal clot formation between fibers. In stark contrast, the BioSurfaces’ ESP bioactive bandage achieved a thick clot (black) across its entire surface. Cracks formed after drying, exposing the nanofibrous bandage underneath. The blood surrounding the Combat Gauze did not clot during this test, whereas the blood around our BioSurfaces’ ESP bioactive bandage clotted within seconds.
Vicryl® Plus Versus ESP Antimicrobial Suture
Suture segments were embedded into a S. aureus-streaked plate and incubated overnight. Vicryl Plus (left), the industry standard antimicrobial suture, provided no visible antimicrobial activity as shown by a lack of clear zone around the material (zone of inhibition or ZOI). BioSurfaces’ ESP antimicrobial suture (right) provided a clear 1cm ZOI.
Hemashield Woven Artificial Artery Versus ESP Artificial Artery
Histology of industry standard graft, Hemashield, left, after implantation for 60 days with thrombus (TH) formation in the lumen (L) and a thick capsule (C). BioSurfaces’ ESP antithrombotic graft, right, after 60 days of implantation prevented blood clott formation, promoted healing, and reduced rejection by the body.
