PLLA-COI multilayer nanofiber membrane for anti-adhesion of the Achilles tendon

Peritendinous Adhesion is a complication after surgery for Achilles tendon injury. This complication can be treated with surgical stents. Anti-adhesion membrane is an effective scaffold material to prevent adhesion. However, currently available PLA anti-adhesion membranes have the problems of poor anti-adhesion performance and low healing effect on the Achilles tendon. In this study, combined the advantages of L-polylactic acid (PLLA) hydrophobicity and Collagen type I (COI) hydrophilicity, a PLLA-COI multilayer nanofiber membrane composed of a multilayer structure was prepared by solution electrospinning and characterized its morphology, physical, mechanical, and in vitro properties. The membrane has a structure characteristic of gradually decreasing fiber diameter, increasing porosity and increasing hydrophilicity from the outer to the inner layer. The cell experiment results show that the PLLA-COI multilayer nanofiber membrane has good cell compatibility. We also carried out in vivo research with the rabbit Achilles tendon adhesion model. The results indicate that the membrane has an excellent anti-adhesion effect and strong hydrophilicity, effectively promoting Achilles tendon injury recovery and preventing adhesion. In addition, this membrane does not require sutures for surgery, effectively reducing the complexity of use, with great potential in preventing peritendinous adhesion.