A novel design of tri-layer membrane with controlled delivery of paclitaxel and anti-biofilm effect for biliary stent applications

Here, we developed a novel biliary stent coating material that is composed of tri-layer membrane with dual function of sustained release of paclitaxel (PTX) anticancer drug and antibac-terial effect. The advantages of using electrospinning technique were considered for the even distri-bution of PTX and controlled release profile from the nanofiber mat. Furthermore, film cast method was utilized to fabricate AgNPs-immobilized PU film to direct the release towards the tumor site and suppress the biofilm formation. The in vitro antibacterial test conducted against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria species showed excellent antibacterial effect. The in vitro drug release study confirmed the sustained release of PTX from the tri-layer membrane and the release profile fitted first order with correlation coefficient of R² = 0.98. Furthermore, the release mechanism was studied using Korsmeyer–Peppas model, revealing that the release mechanism follows Fickian diffusion. Based on the results, this novel tri-layer membrane shows curative potential in clinical development.