Polymeric, fiber matrix delivery systems for bioactive compounds

Abstract

Multifunctional systems for delivery of bioactive compounds incorporated within or between polymeric fibers in a matrix are provided. Also provided are methods of delivering bioactive compounds via implementation, coating and/or wrapping of these systems and methods for modulating the rate of release of bioactive compounds from these delivery systems.

1 . A system for delivery of bioactive compounds comprising a bioactive compound incorporated within or between polymeric fibers.  
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  which is biodegradable.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  which is nondegradable.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the fibers are arranged as a matrix or linear assembly, a film coating on a device, or a braided or woven structure.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein particles of the bioactive compound are suspended in a polymer solution prior to electrospinning of the polymeric fibers so that the bioactive compound is incorporated between the polymeric fibers.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the bioactive compound is dissolved into a polymer solution prior to electrospinning of the polymeric fibers so that the bioactive compound is incorporated within the polymeric fibers.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  comprising more than one bioactive compound incorporated into a single or multiple layers of polymeric fibers for delivery of the bioactive compounds sequentially or in concert.  
     
     
         8 . A method for delivering bioactive compounds to a patient comprising incorporating a bioactive compound into a polymeric fiber matrix or linear assembly or a braided or woven structure and implanting the polymer fiber matrix or linear assembly or braided or woven structure into the patient.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising coating a device with the polymeric fiber matrix or linear assembly or braided or nonwoven structure and implanting the coated device into the patient for delivery of the bioactive compounds.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the device comprises a tissue engineering device and the bioactive compound enhances cell attachment and growth to the device.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the polymeric fiber matrix or linear assembly or a braided or woven structure is implanted directly on a wound of the patient to deliver the bioactive compound to the wound of the patient.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the polymeric fiber matrix or linear assembly or a braided or woven structure is implanted on the surface of an organ, tissue or vessel of the patient to deliver the bioactive compound to the organ, tissue or vessel of the patient.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the polymeric fiber matrix or linear assembly or a braided or woven structure is wrapped around the surface of an organ, tissue or vessel of the patient.  
     
     
         14 . A method for modulating rate of release of a bioactive compound from a delivery system for bioactive compounds comprising a bioactive compound incorporated within or between polymeric fibers, said method comprising modulating loading of the bioactive compound incorporated with or between polymeric fiber, selecting polymers to produce polymeric fibers which degrade at varying rates, varying diameter of the polymeric fibers, or varying polymeric concentration of the polymeric fibers.