**4. Conclusions**

The present work proposes the use of nanofibrous meshes (NFM) functionalized with a neutralizing anti-TNF-α antibody, for the selective clearance of TNF-α. From a spectrum of primary antibody concentrations, 6 μg/mL was determined as the maximum immobilization capacity of a UV-O activated and aminolysis-functionalized NFM. Experimental results demonstrated the bioactivity of the developed biofunctional substrate on clearing TNF-α from conditioned culture medium of macrophages and a longer time of action when compared to the circulating/soluble antibody. Furthermore, cell biology data showed that the immobilized anti-TNF-α antibody exhibited no cytotoxicity over human articular chondrocytes and that these cells were able to maintain their metabolic functions in the presence of the TNF-capturing system. In conclusion, we herein describe an effective system for local clearance of TNF-α, which is particularly relevant in a RA scenario, but adaptable to other autoimmune inflammatory conditions.
