Preparation of chitosan microspheres by ionotropic gelation under a high voltage electrostatic field for protein delivery

Biodegradable microspheres have been widely used in drug/protein delivery system. In this paper, a modified ionotropic gelation method combined with a high voltage electrostatic field was developed to prepare protein-loaded chitosan microspheres. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was chosen as a model protein. The preparation process and major parameters were discussed and optimized. The morphology, particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release behavior of the prepared microspheres were investigated. The results revealed that the microspheres exhibited good sphericity and dispersity when the mixture of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and ethanol was applied as coagulation solution. Higher encapsulation efficiency (>90%) was achieved for the weight ratio of BSA to chitosan below 5%. 35% of BSA was released from the microspheres cured in 3% coagulation solution, and more than 50% of BSA was released from the microspheres cured in 1% coagulation solution at pH 8.8. However, only 15% of BSA was released from the microspheres cured in 1% coagulation solution at pH 4. The results suggested that ionotropic gelation method combined with a high voltage electrostatic field will be an effective method for fabricating chitosan microspheres for sustained delivery of protein.     

Formulation and evaluation of quince seeds mucilage – sodium alginate microspheres for sustained delivery of cefixime and its toxicological studies

Quince seed mucilage was used in a combination of sodium alginate to develop sustained-release microspheres of cefixime. Physical characterizations such as FTIR, TGA, DSC, and SEM were performed on the prepared microspheres. The swelling of microspheres was maximum at pH 7.4 and reduced at acidic pH. The average particle size ranged from 679 µm ± 0.21 to 810 µm ± 0.31, while the drug encapsulation efficiency range was found as 73.76 ± 0.24–85.63 ± 0.46. In vitro release profile of QSM-alginate-cefixime microspheres followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R² = 0.9732-–0.9946); and release was non-Fickian as we found value of n > 1. This study reveals the benefits of QSM-alginate microspheres for the sustained release of cefixime without any toxicity and it also improved antibacterial properties.     

Controlled-release and antibacterial studies of doxycycline-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres

The objective of the present study is to achieve doxycycline’s maximum therapeutic efficacy. Doxycycline-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres were prepared by water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion solvent evaporation technique with different formulation variables such as concentrations of drug and polymer. The effects of these variables on surface morphology, particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release behavior were examined. To observe the nature of microspheres, X-ray diffraction studies were carried out. The release data obtained were determined using various kinetic models and Korsmeyer–Peppas model showed an acceptable regression value for all compositions. Antibacterial efficiency of doxycycline-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres were assessed by determining Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) by standard tube dilution method against four standard pathogenic strains. The in vitro drug release studies were carried out in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.2). The results showed marked retardation of doxycycline release and higher percentage of polymer gave longer drug release profile. This may definitely provide a useful controlled-release drug therapy and also prove to be effective over a long period of time (76 h).     

包埋于PLGA膜中的BSA海藻酸钙微球的制备及其释放行为

在组织工程中，为了促进和调节细胞在细胞支架上的增殖和分化，一些特殊的生物活性分子(生长因子(Growth Factor，简称GF))，必须引入支架．这些生长因子是一类具有诱导和刺激细胞增殖、维持细胞存活等生物效应的多肽蛋白类物质，因此，在组织工程研究中，生长因子是三个重要因素之一，     

A spheres-in-sphere structure for improving protein-loading poly (lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres

In present study, protein loaded poly (lactide-co-glycolide)/chitosan microspheres (PLGA/CS MSs) with spheres-in-sphere structure were prepared in order to weaken the burst release of protein from PLGA microspheres (PLGA MSs) and to buffer acidic micro-milieu. The PLGA MSs and PLGA/CS MSs were characterized in terms of their size distribution, morphology, drug-loading rate, zeta potential and physical-chemical properties. The incubation experiments of PLGA MSs and PLGA/CS MSs were manipulated in PBS solution at pH 7.4, 37 °C to monitor the release of BSA and the vehicles degradation. The release kinetic of BSA was illuminated mainly based on the degradation processes of the matrices. External CS crusts were proved to strikingly improve the release kinetic of the model protein by reducing initial burst release and extending continuous release while acting as a diffusion barrier. Moreover, using PLGA/CS MSs could avoid the decrease of pH value resulted from the acidic products of PLGA MSs because of the effective buffer action of the basic groups in CS. The results demonstrated that the spheres-in-sphere structure is an effective way to control the initial burst release of protein and to overcome the acidic problem of protein-loading PLGA MSs.     

Degradation of electrospun SF/P(LLA-CL) blended nanofibrous scaffolds in vitro

Nanofibrous scaffolds of silk fibroin (SF) and poly(l-lactic acid-co-?-caprolactone) (P(LLA-CL)) blends fabricated via electrospinning possessed good mechanical property and biocompatibility, as demonstrated by a previous study in vitro. However, the degradation behavior of the scaffolds, which may significantly influence tissue repair and regeneration, needs further exploration. In this study, in vitro degradation of pure SF, P(LLA-CL) and SF/P(LLA-CL) blended nanofibrous scaffolds were performed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4 ± 0.1) at 37 °C for 6 months. A series of analyses and characterizations (including morphologic changes, loss weight, pH changes of PBS solutions, DSC, XRD and FTIR-ATR) were conducted to the nanofibrous scaffolds after degradation and the results showed that the pure SF nanofibrous scaffolds were not completely degradable in PBS while pure P(LLA-CL) nanofibrous scaffolds had the fastest degradation rate. Moreover, the addition of SF reduced the degradation rate of P(LLA-CL) in SF/P(LLA-CL) blended nanofibrous scaffolds. This was probably caused by the intermolecular interactions between SF and P(LLA-CL), which hindered the movement of P(LLA-CL) molecular chains.     

Nanoencapsulation and characterization of Albizia chinensis isolated antioxidant quercitrin on PLA nanoparticles

The plant isolated antioxidant quercitrin has been encapsulated on poly-d,l-lactide (PLA) nanoparticles by solvent evaporation method to improve the solubility, permeability and stability of this molecule. The size of quercitrin-PLA nanoparticles is 250 ± 68 nm whereas that PLA nanoparticles is 195 ± 55 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of nanoencapsulated quercitrin evaluated by HPLC and antioxidant assay is 40%. The in vitro release kinetics of quercitrin under physiological condition reveals initial burst release followed by sustained release. Less fluorescence quenching is observed with equimolar concentration of PLA encapsulated quercitrin than free quercitrin. The presence of quercitrin specific peaks on FTIR of five times washed quercitrin loaded PLA nanoparticles provides an extra evidence for the encapsulation of quercitrin into PLA nanoparticles. These properties of quercitrin nanomedicine provide a new potential for the use of such less useful highly active antioxidant molecule towards the development of better therapeutic for intestinal anti-inflammatory effect and nutraceutical compounds.     

β-cyclodextrin/alginate nanoparticles encapsulated 5-fluorouracil as an effective and safe anticancer drug delivery system

Although 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most frequently used cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of cancer, it possesses a short biological half-life and toxic side effects against normal healthy cells. In this work, β-cyclodextrin/alginate (β-CD/Alg) nanoparticles loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were prepared to evaluate release properties and bioactivity in different pH media. Stable nanocomposites with the best loading efficiency (36%) and encapsulation efficiency (90%) were successfully fabricated. The size of the nanocomposite solution was determined via dynamic light scattering (DLS) to be in the range 30–120 nm with a mean size of 70 nm, while TEM images showed the particle size of the nanocomposite to be in the range 30–80 nm with a mean size of 50 nm. The release profile of 5-FU in a simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) was much lower than in a simulated colorectal fluid (pH 7.4). The release behaviour of 5-FU from the nanocomposite was confirmed by the change in morphology in the pH media. A cytotoxicity assay indicated that the nanocomposite is an effective delivery system for 5-FU with strong antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells and negligible effects on normal healthy cells.     

Effects of PCL,PEG and PLGA polymers on curcumin release from calcium phosphate matrix for in vitro and in vivo bone regeneration

Calcium phosphate materials are widely used as bone-like scaffolds or coating for metallic hip and knee implants due to their excellent biocompatibility, compositional similarity to natural bone and controllable bioresorbability. Local delivery of drugs or osteogenic factors from scaffolds and implants are required over a desired period of time for an effectual treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. Curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule, enhances osteoblastic activity in addition to its anti-osteoclastic activity. However, due to its poor solubility and high intestinal liver metabolism, it showed limited oral efficacy in various preclinical and clinical studies. To enhance its bioavailability and to provide higher release, we have used poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and poly lactide co glycolide (PLGA) as the polymeric system to enable continuous release of curcumin from the hydroxyapatite matrix for 22 days. Additionally, curcumin was incorporated in plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite coated Ti6Al4V substrate to study in vitro cell material interaction using human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells for load bearing implants. MTT cell viability assay and morphological characterization by FESEM showed highest cell viability with samples coated with curcumin-PCL-PEG. Finally, 3D printed interconnected macro porous β-TCP scaffolds were prepared and curcumin-PCL-PEG was loaded to assess the effects of curcumin on in vivo bone regeneration. The presence of curcumin in TCP results in enhanced bone formation after 6 weeks. Complete mineralized bone formation increased from 29.6% to 44.9% in curcumin-coated scaffolds compared to pure TCP. Results show that local release of curcumin can be designed for both load bearing or non-load bearing implants with the aid of polymers, which can be considered an excellent candidate for wound healing and tissue regeneration applications in bone tissue engineering.     

Nano engineered biodegradable capsules for the encapsulation and kinetic release studies of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride

Polyelectrolyte based nano and micro capsules have been extensively studied as promising drug carrier in recent years. Natural degradable capsules have received great deal of attention due to their fascinating structural and morphological characteristics, biocompatibility, sustained and targeted-release capabilities. In this work, chitosan - dextran sulphate nano capsules were prepared via Layer-by-Layer (L-b-L) technique using sacrificial template for drug delivery applications. The loading and in vitro release studies were performed using ciprofloxacin hydrochloride as a model drug. The release media used in the study are plain water and Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS). The optimum drug load was 389 ​μg, at a loading pH of 2.1 and a temperature of 25 ​°C for 50 ​min encapsulation time. The drug loaded capsules exhibited a slow and sustained release up to 24 ​h and the maximum release rate was obtained at pH 1.2 in water and pH 7.4 in PBS. Least amount of drug release occurred at pH 5.0 in both the release media. The amounts of drug release in water at pH 1.2, pH 5.0 and pH 7.4 are 309 ​μg, 163 ​μg and 251 ​μg respectively where as the corresponding values in the case of PBS (at pH 1.2, pH 5.0 and pH 7.4) are 236 ​μg, 198 ​μg and 251 ​μg respectively. Two different models namely, Ritger - Peppas and Higuchi models were chosen to study the release kinetics behaviour of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. The prepared bio-degradable capsules had potential as drug carrier for targeting antibacterial drugs with diverse functionality.     

Mesoporous porphyrinic metal-organic framework nanoparticles/3D nanofibrous scaffold as a versatile platform for bone tumor therapy

Removal of residual tumor cells and regeneration of large bone defects are urgently required after surgical resection of bone tumors. To address these issues, a bifunctional scaffold with high photothermal effect and osteogenesis was developed for bone tumor therapy. Sintered mesoporous imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF8) nanoparticles with porphyrin-like macrocycles were synthesized by calcination of ZIF8 precursors under an N₂ atmosphere. The prepared ZIF8 possesses good photothermal efficacy and drug loading capability. Phenamil (Phe), an activator of bone morphogenetic protein pathways, was encapsulated into ZIF8 before loading onto gelatin nanofibrous (GF) scaffolds. The loaded Phe exhibited sustained and near-infrared triggered release profiles, which is capable of promoting bone morphogenetic protein 2 induced osteogenic differentiation even under near-infrared treatment. Moreover, our studies revealed that the photothermal effect of GF/ZIF8-Phe scaffolds can kill MG-63 cells in vitro and inhibit subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. Therefore, the GF/ZIF8-Phe scaffold represents a novel bifunctional platform for tumor therapy and bone regeneration.     

Surface modification of Mitoxantrone-loaded PLGA nanospheres with chitosan

The purpose of this research was to develop polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanospheres surface modified with chitosan (CS). Mitoxantrone- (MTO-) loaded PLGA nanospheres were prepared by a solvent evaporation technique. The PLGA nanospheres surface was modified with CS by two strategies (adsorption and covalent binding). PLGA nanospheres of 248.4 ± 21.0 nm in diameter characterized by the laser light scattering technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are spherical and its drug encapsulation efficiency is 84.1 ± 3.4%. Zeta potential of unmodified nanospheres was measured to be negative −21.21 ± 2.13 mV. The positive zeta potential of modified nanospheres reveals the presence of CS on the surface of the modified nanospheres. Modified nanospheres were characterized for surface chemistry by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). FT-IR spectra exhibited peaks at 3420 cm⁻¹ and 1570 cm⁻¹, XPS spectra shows the N 1s (atomic orbital 1s of nitrogen) region of the surface of the nanospheres, corresponding to the primary amide of CS. In vitro drug release demonstrated that CS-modified nanospheres have many advantages such as prolonged drug release property and decreased the burst release over the unmodified nanospheres, and the modified nanospheres by covalent binding method could achieve the release kinetics of a relatively constant release. These data demonstrate high potential of CS-modified PLGA nanospheres for the anticancer drug carrier.     

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of silk fibroin-hardystonite-gentamicin nanofibrous scaffold for tissue engineering applications

Designing advanced biomaterials with regenerative and drug delivering functionalities remains a challenge in the field of tissue engineering. In this paper we present the design, development, and a use case of an electrospun nano-biocomposite scaffold composed of silk fibroin (SF), hardystonite (HT), and gentamicin (GEN). The fabricated SF nanofiber scaffolds provide mechanical support while HT acts as a bioactive and drug carrier, on which GEN is loaded as an antibacterial agent. Antibacterial zone of inhibition (ZOI) results indicate that the inclusion of 3–6 wt% GEN significantly improves the antibacterial performance of the scaffolds against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria, with an initial burst release of 10–20% and 72–85% total release over 7 days. The release rate of stimulatory silicon ions from SF-HT scaffolds reached 94.53±5 ppm after 7 days. Cell studies using osteoblasts show that the addition of HT significantly improved the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds. Angiogenesis, in vivo biocompatibility, tissue vascularization, and translatability of the scaffolds were studied via subcutaneous implantation in a rodent model over 4-weeks. When implanted subcutaneously, the GEN-loaded scaffold promoted angiogenesis and collagen formation, which suggests that the scaffold may be highly beneficial for further bone tissue engineering applications.     

含水核载牛血清白蛋白聚氰基丙烯酸丁酯微囊的制备及体外释放

利用界面乳液聚合方法制备了新型含水核载牛血清白蛋白 (BSA)的聚氰基丙烯酸丁酯 (PBCA)纳米微囊 .分别研究了纳米微囊的粒径及其分布 ,表面Zeta电势的变化 .并以牛血清白蛋白为模型药物考察了药物包裹率和载药量的变化以及载药纳米微囊在磷酸缓冲溶液中的体外释放行为 .结果表明 ,所制备的纳米微囊平均粒径为 2 0 0nm ,多分散度为 0 2 2 6;表面Zeta电势的变化证明了BSA是包裹于纳米微囊的内部而不是吸附在其表面 ;包裹率和载药量取决于水相中BSA的初始浓度 ,当BSA的浓度为 0 8mg mL时 ,包裹率和载药量分别为 3 5 %和 0 485× 1 0 - 9mol mg;药物的释放速率取决于纳米微囊的壁厚 ,通过调节壁厚可以达到控释的目的     

Preparation and characterization of a novel magnetized nanosphere as a carrier system for drug delivery using Plantago ovata Forssk. hydrogel combined with mefenamic acid as the drug model

The aim of the present study was to magnetize Plantago ovata Forssk. hydrogel and produce a nanosphere system to carrier mefenamic acid as the drug model. For this propose, P. ovata seeds hydrogel (POSH) was extracted and magnetized by Fe₃O₄ being functionalized using tetraethyl orthosilicate and trimethoxyvinysilane. Thereafter, mefenamic acid (MFA) was loaded on the carrier system. The final product, as the magnetic drug loaded nanosphere (Fe/POSH/MFA), was fully characterized through different techniques involving X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results confirmed the successful production of the drug loaded nanosphere system with particles magnetization of 25 emu/g over a range size of 40–50 nm. However, the size distribution less than 100 nm was measured through DLS analysis. The hydrogel showed a pH sensitivity swelling behavior representing the best efficacy at pH 7.4. The efficiency of the drug encapsulation was found to be 64.35%. The drug releasing was studied using a dialysis bag at pH = 7.4. The highest in vitro drug releasing was found to be 57.3 ± 0.6% after 72 h, as well. The findings of the current report account for the potential use of P. ovata hydrogel as an effective delivery system for encapsulation of water insoluble basic drugs, e.g., MFA in a magnetized carrier system.     

Biomimetic hybrid scaffold containing niosomal deferoxamine promotes angiogenesis in full-thickness wounds

Effective management of full-thickness wounds faces significant challenges due to poor angiogenesis and impaired healing. Biomimetic tissue-engineered scaffolds with angiogenic properties can, however, enhance the regeneration capacity of the damaged skin. Here, we developed a hybrid double-layer nanofibrous scaffold, comprised of egg white (EW) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), loaded with niosomal Deferoxamine (NDFO) for enhanced angiogenesis and wound healing features. The hybrid scaffold showed enhanced mechanical properties with comparable modulus and shape-recovery behavior of the human skin. Thanks to the porous morphology and uniform distribution of NDFO within the nanofibers, in vitro drug release studies indicated controlled and sustained release of DFO for up to 9 days. The constructs also promoted a significant increase in vascular sprouting area in vitro and enhanced vascular branches ex vivo. In vivo, implantation of the hybrid scaffold in full-thickness wounds in rats revealed early angiogenic response, a higher number of neo-formed vessels, a faster healing rate and complete epithelialization as early as day 10, compared to the control groups. Thus, the presented biomimetic hybrid scaffold with DFO control release features holds great promise in accelerated full-thickness wound healing and soft tissue regeneration.     

Novel nanocomposite based on EVA/PHBV/[60]Fullerene with improved thermal properties

A novel nanocomposite was prepared from ethylene-co-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and poly-3-hydroxy butyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) in combination with small amounts of [60]Fullerene (C₆₀). The thermal degradation as well as the incorporation effect of C₆₀ on the thermo-oxidative decomposition of EVA/PHBV/C₆₀ nanocomposites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In order to assess the level of stabilization of nanocomposites, the oxidation induction time test was also determined. The obtained results indicated that the dispersion of C₆₀ even at low loading (0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 wt.%) exerts a significant increase on the thermal stability properties of nanocomposite. The oxidation induction time values of nanocomposites were remarkably increased with the increase of C₆₀ amounts. Surprisingly, the oxidation induction time of EVA/PHBV/C₆₀ (0.3 wt.%) is 1643 s higher than that of unfilled EVA/PHBV blend.The flammability properties investigated in pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC) showed that the addition of C₆₀ could prolong the time to peak of Heat Release Rate (pHRR) of around 30 °C compared to EVA/PHBV blend. It was demonstrated that C₆₀ is inhibitor of the thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of EVA/PHBV blend.     

Incorporation in Lipid Microparticles of Acid Red 87, a Colorant Used in Tattoo Inks: Effect on Photodegradation Under Simulated Sunlight and Laser Radiation

Tattoo colorants decompose under solar radiation and when exposed to laser light for their removal, leading to the accumulation in the dermis of toxic products. Aim of this study was to develop lipid microparticles (LMs) loaded with the colorant, Acid Red 87 (C.I. 45380) used in tattoo inks, and to investigate the effect of this system on the photostability of the colorant under simulated sunlight or laser irradiation. LMs loaded with C.I. 45380 were prepared by melt emulsification using tristearin and phosphatidylcholine as excipients. They were characterized by optical microscopy, laser diffraction, X-ray diffraction and release studies. Free C.I. 45380 and the colorant-loaded LMs were irradiated with a solar simulator or a Q-switched laser. Irradiation with a solar simulator demonstrated that photodecomposition of C.I. 45380 was markedly reduced by incorporation of the dye in the LMs, from 20.5 ± 4.6% to 1.3 ± 1.8%. Conversely, the laser-induced degradation of the colorant (30.1 ± 6.6%) was not significantly influenced by encapsulation in the LMs (the encapsulated C.I. 45380 loss was 27.4 ± 5.5%). Incorporation of C.I. 45380 in lipid microparticles enhances the photostability under sunlight of tattoo inks containing this colorant, without affecting its laser-induced degradation and hence laser removal efficiency.     

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for the controlled release of huperzine A: in vitro and in vivo studies and the application in the treatment of the impaired memory of mice

Huperzine A loaded poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres were prepared by an oil/water (o/w) solvent evaporation technique. With a decrease of the ratio of o/w from 1 : 100 to 1 : 50, the encapsulation efficiency was reduced about 4%. Increasing the PVA concentration from 0.5 to 2% reduced the percentage encapsulation efficiency of huperzine A from 60.7 to 47.4% and the particle size of microspheres from 84.2 to 26.2 microm. The addition of stearic acid improved the encapsulation efficiency, but also accelerated the in vitro release of hupezine A from microspheres. After i.m. administration of huperzine A loaded microspheres in mice, huperzine A was sustained released from the PLGA microspheres up to 12 d with a low initial burst. Passive avoidance test of mice showed that the microspheres formulation offered an improved therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of the impaired memory of the mice superior to injection gastric (i.g.) administration of huperzine A suspension at the same dose, whose therapeutic efficiency was similar as that of a 50% reduced dose of the microspheres formulation.     

Synthesis and characterization of a microsphere‐based coating for textiles with potential as an in situ bioactive delivery system

Proteinaceous microspheres have a wide range of biomedical applications, including their use as drug delivery systems. On the other hand, bioactive and antimicrobial textiles are promising substrates for medical care, in particular, as wound‐dressings. This work relates the development of a new process for the functionalization of textiles through the simultaneous formation and linkage of protein‐based microspheres onto textile fibers by sonochemical techniques. The microspheres developed by this process possess antimicrobial properties by themselves, but other may be incorporated by the encapsulation of various pharmaceutical formulations. This new type of microspheres and particularly their fixation onto textile materials encourage the development of textiles that can be used as delivery systems in a simple, fast, and non‐toxic process. Here it is reported the production of microspheres with a combination of bovine serum albumin (BSA), L ‐Cysteine (L ‐Cys), and n‐dodecane, using the ultrasound technology. The size distribution and morphology of the microspheres was determined as a function of several parameters such as irradiation time and BSA and L ‐Cys concentrations. The produced microspheres were analyzed using a laser light scattering size analyzer, an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The new coating of BSA + L ‐Cys microspheres revealed a high stability and excellent antibacterial properties being a promising alternative to design textile‐based bioactive delivery systems with potential application in the development of textile‐based wound‐dressings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.