Resorbable hollow phosphate glass fibres as controlled release systems for biomedical applications

Controlled release systems are an attractive solution for the administration of biologically active molecules in a specific target site avoiding the drawbacks associated to drug oral administration. In this study phosphate glass hollow fibres were fabricated using a drawing tower and their ability to incorporate and releasea test solution was investigated. The results showed that the hollow fibres can be easily filled with an aqueous solution exploiting the capillary action and they are able to subsequently release it from the fibre ends.The solubility of phosphate glass allows for fibre resorption during the release process.These fibres are promising resorbable carriers of bioactive molecules for controlled release devices, in the tissue engineering field and for the synthesis of biocomposite material