FIBER COMPOSITE STRUCTURE
Disclosed are fiber composite structures comprising a matrix material and at least one polymeric fiber in contact with the matrix material. The fiber(s) are preferably characterized by a diameter of up to about 20 microns. In certain embodiments, the fiber(s) comprise a therapeutic agent in an amount that exceeds the solubility limit of the therapeutic agent in the fiber polymer. In some embodiments, the fiber(s) comprise an inner radial portion and an outer radial portion.
1 . A composite structure, comprising:
a matrix material comprising a first bioabsorbable polymer; and
a fiber in contact with said matrix material, said fiber comprising a second bioabsorbable polymer and a therapeutic agent.
2 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said first bioabsorbable polymer is the same polymer as said second bioabsorbable polymer.
3 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said first bioabsorbable polymer is a different polymer than said second bioabsorbable polymer.
4 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said fiber has a diameter up to 20 microns.
5 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said fiber is substantially homogeneous in composition.
6 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said fiber comprises an inner radial portion and an outer radial portion.
7 . The composite structure of claim 6 , wherein said therapeutic agent is located within said inner radial portion.
8 . The composite structure of claim 7 , wherein said outer radial portion is substantially free of drug in an as-manufactured condition.
9 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said therapeutic agent is substantially insoluble in said second bioabsorbable polymer.
10 . The composite structure of claim 9 , wherein the amount of said therapeutic agent in said fiber is at least 20 weight percent.
11 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said fiber is embedded within said matrix material.
12 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said fiber is applied to a surface of said matrix material.
13 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said structure comprises a plurality of fibers, each of said plurality of fibers comprising a bioabsorbable polymer and a therapeutic agent.
14 . The composite structure of claim 13 , wherein all of said plurality of fibers comprise the same bioabsorbable polymer.
15 . The composite structure of claim 13 , wherein all of said plurality of fibers comprise the same therapeutic agent.
16 . The composite structure of claim 13 , wherein at least one fiber within said plurality of fibers comprises a bioabsorbable polymer that is different from another of said fibers within said plurality of fibers.
17 . The composite structure of claim 13 , wherein at least one fiber within said plurality of fibers comprises a therapeutic agent that is different from another of said fibers within said plurality of fibers.
18 . The composite structure of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of fibers are substantially uniformly dispersed throughout said matrix material.
19 . The composite structure of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of fibers are configured as a mesh.
20 . The composite structure of claim 1 , wherein said matrix material is in the form of a sheet.
21 . The composite structure of claim 20 , wherein said sheet has a thickness between 20 microns and 2 millimeters.
22 . The composite structure of claim 20 , wherein said sheet comprises raised features.
23 . The composite structure of claim 20 , wherein said sheet comprises cavities.