Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, multicomponent fiber comprising (a) a polymeric core that comprises a core-forming polymer and (b) a polymeric sheath that comprises a hydrophilic polymer, wherein the core-forming fiber is more hydrophobic than the hydrophilic polymer and wherein the polymeric core, the polymeric sheath, or both, further comprises a hydrophilic excipient material. Other aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of forming such multicomponent fibers. Still other aspects of the present invention pertain to meshes and other articles that are formed using the multicomponent fibers.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, multicomponent fiber are provided, which comprise (a) a polymeric core that comprises a core-forming polymer and (b) a polymeric sheath that comprises a sheath-forming polymer that is different than the core-forming polymer. Examples of core-forming polymers include, for instance, crosslinked polysiloxanes and thermoplastic polymers, among others. Examples of sheath-forming polymers include, for instance, solvent-soluble polymers, degradable polymers and hydrogel-forming polymers, among others. Other aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of forming such multicomponent fibers. For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the multicomponent fibers are formed using coaxial electrospinning techniques. Still other aspects of the present invention pertain to meshes and other articles that are formed using the multicomponent fibers.