Fabrication of astaxanthin-loaded electrospun nanofiber-based mucoadhesive patches with water?insoluble backing for the treatment of oral premalignant lesions

Oral premalignant lesions (OPL) are one of the most common oral diseases, affecting quality life and even leading to cancer. Current treatments commonly use steroids/retinoids in mouthwashes, films, or ointments. However, conventional drugs/formulations have significant side effects/limitations. Herein, astaxanthin-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin (GT) nanofiber-based mucoadhesive patches (PGA) with water?insoluble PCL nanofiber backing (PCL/PGA) developed via electrospinning for management OPL. The saliva-insoluble could greatly prevent drug loss after application cavity. prepared PCL/PGA exhibit a suitable astaxanthin release rate achieving high local concentration, which permeated into buccal mucosa. In addition, thin display excellent wet tissue adhesion great air permeability due their porosity. Notably, vivo experiment shows that bioactive significantly promote recovery OPL by suppressing expression Ki67 cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), comparable clinical tretinoin cream formulation. Also, did not induce any effects (i.e., hair ulcers) compared results demonstrate this novel electrospun bilayer patch holds potential treatment