Carboxymethyl cellulose based nanofibrous bio-patch for sustained salivary moisture: A Promising Approach to Xerostomia Management.

Insufficient salivary secretion leads to hyposalivation, commonly referred to as xerostomia. This condition predisposes individuals to oral complications such as candidiasis and lesions of the mucosa and gingiva. Although xerostomia does not typically require invasive interventions, it can be managed temporarily with moisturizing agents and lubricants. The present study focuses on the development of a porous scaffold encapsulated within a nanofibrous membrane (Bio-Patch) via electrospinning and lyophilization techniques for the management of xerostomia. The Bio-Patch proved to be a stable, biocompatible platform capable of enhancing salivary retention. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization demonstrated the desirable structural integrity, with significant swelling behaviour (641.15 ± 75.26%) in artificial saliva. Nearly half of its swelling weight was retained with sustained release of the stimulant, indicating enhanced stability and stable behaviour of Bio-Patch. Overall, the developed Bio-Patch represents a promising bioengineered platform for sustained salivary stimulation, offering a non-invasive therapeutic strategy to improve the quality of life in patients suffering from xerostomia.