Effect of drawing on mechanical properties, degradation and drug release of dexamethasone-loaded polydioxanone monofilaments

Abstract

• Dexamethasone-loaded polydioxanone monofilaments were developed through melt spinning process. • Drawing process mechanically reinforces dexamethasone-loaded polydioxanone monofilaments. • Drawing process retards release of dexamethasone from polydioxanone monofilaments. • Drawing process could control hydrolytic degradation of polydioxanone monofilaments. A series of dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded polydioxanone (PDO) monofilaments drawn at different draw ratios through a melt spinning process was developed to investigate changes in drug release behavior, mechanical properties, and biodegradation. Drawn PDO monofilaments presented decreased diameters, increased tensile strengths, and reduced elongation at break. The XRD analysis of DEX-loaded PDO monofilament showed changes in crystallinity due to the drawing process. The drawing process also changed behaviors of degradation and drug release, showing reduced degradation rates and long-term sustained release rates at higher draw ratios. Taken together, obtained characteristic properties and their controllability are expected to be favorable for practical applications requiring invasive and longer implantation such as non-vascular stents, surgical sutures, and face-lifting materials.