Multifunctional use of casein as release system and blocking layer for implant coatings

In situ tissue engineering requires to functionalize the surfaces of implants, to achieve better biocompatibility or to release pharmaceuticals. Often a burst release of such pharmaceuticals takes place and the surface functionality is gone rapidly. Casein-micelles (M-Cas) offer unique release capabilities for hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances. In this work, M-Cas were reconstructed and used as release system for curcumin as a model drug. Modified electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL)-fiber mats were coated with chitosan / tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (CS/TPP-NP) and functionalized with the reconstructed M-Cas. [1] CS/TPP-NPs and Na-caseinate (Cas) were used as blocking layer to slow down the release of curcumin loaded micelles. The layers were investigated by surface zeta-potential (ZP). The release of the curcumin from surfaces was possible and the blocking layers had a significant influence on the kinetics.