Curcumin impregnation improves the mechanical properties and reduces the inflammatory response associated with poly(L-lactic acid) fiber

We investigated poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers and coils, simulating stents and the influence of impregnation with curcumin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, intended to reduce the pro-inflammatory property of these implants. Fibers obtained by melt extrusion of 137 kDa PLLA resin containing 10% curcumin (C-PLLA) exhibited a stable curcumin release rate for periods up to 36 days. Curcumin increased the fiber tensile strength at break and decreased embrittlement vs . controls in 36 day 37°C saline incubation. A mouse peritoneal phagocyte model was employed to test the anti-inflammatory properties of C-PLLA fibers in vitro. Myeloperoxidase and non-specific esterase activity assays were performed for adherent cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and macrophages (MΦ), respectively). PMN and MΦ adhesion to C-PLLA fibers were significantly reduced compared to control PLLA fibers (2.6 ± 0.91) × 105 vs. (5.6 ± 0.67) × 105 PMN/cm2 and (3.9 ± 0.23) × 103 vs. (9.1 ± 0.7) × 103 MΦ/cm2 (P < 0.05), respe...