Development of a Potential Multilayered Biofunctional Dressing for Localized Postoperative Cancer Treatment: A Hybrid Approach Using 3D Printing and Electrospinning

Abstract

This study introduces a multilayered biofunctional tumor dressing designed for localized treatment after tumor resection. The system incorporates three therapeutic agents: doxorubicin (DOX) for anticancer action, amoxicillin (AMOX) for antibacterial protection, and ibuprofen (IBU) for anti-inflammatory support. These drugs were loaded into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices via a hybrid method combining 3D printing, electrospinning, and electrospraying. FTIR, SEM, and optical microscopy confirmed structural integrity. in vitro release at pH 7.4 and 37°C showed rapid DOX and AMOX release within 240 min, while IBU exhibited sustained release over 120 h. Mathematical modeling (zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer–Peppas) indicated diffusion-driven, matrix-controlled kinetics. Encapsulation efficiencies exceeded 98%, affirming fabrication reliability. Antibacterial tests showed stronger activity against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity results demonstrated selective toxicity, with 42.86% viability in CCD1072-Sk fibroblasts and lower survival in MCF-7 (25.63%) and A549 (23.76%) cancer cells. This multifunctional dressing enables spatial and temporal control over drug release to effectively manage residual tumor cells, infection, and inflammation, offering a promising strategy for postoperative cancer therapy with minimized systemic side effects.