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  • Biofunctional Nanofibrous Substrate for Local TNF-Capturing as a Strategy to Control Inflammation in Arthritic Joints.

Biofunctional Nanofibrous Substrate for Local TNF-Capturing as a Strategy to Control Inflammation in Arthritic Joints.

Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) (2019-04-11)
Elisa Bacelo, Marta Alves da Silva, Cristina Cunha, Susana Faria, Agostinho Carvalho, Rui L Reis, Albino Martins, Nuno M Neves
ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the synovial cavity of joints, and its pathogenesis is associated with an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). It has been clinically shown to have an adequate response to systemic administration of TNF-α inhibitors, although with many shortcomings. To overcome such limitations, the immobilization of a TNF-α antibody on a nanofibrous substrate to promote a localized action is herein proposed. By using this approach, the antibody has its maximum therapeutic efficacy and a prolonged therapeutic benefit, avoiding the systemic side-effects associated with conventional biological agents' therapies. To technically achieve such a purpose, the surface of electrospun nanofibers is initially activated and functionalized, allowing TNF-α antibody immobilization at a maximum concentration of 6 µg/mL. Experimental results evidence that the biofunctionalized nanofibrous substrate is effective in achieving a sustained capture of soluble TNF-α over time. Moreover, cell biology assays demonstrate that this system has no deleterious effect over human articular chondrocytes metabolism and activity. Therefore, the developed TNF-capturing system may represent a potential therapeutic approach for the local management of severely affected joints.