Polymer-free and polyvinylpirrolidone-based electrospun solid dosage forms for drug dissolution enhancement

Electrospun nanofibres in drug delivery: advances in controlled release strategies

Emerging drug-delivery systems demand a controlled or programmable or sustained release of drug molecules to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Such systems have been heavily investigated as they offer safe, accurate, and quality treatment for numerous diseases. Amongst newly developed drug-delivery systems, electrospun nanofibres have emerged as promising drug excipients and are coming up as promising biomaterials. The inimitable characteristics of electrospun nanofibres in terms of their high surface-to-volume ratio, high porosity, easy drug encapsulation, and programmable release make them an astounding drug-delivery vehicle.

Antifungal Activity of Camelus-Derived LFA-LFC Chimeric Peptide Gelatin Film and Effect on Oral Bacterial Biofilm

The objective of this study was to construct lactoferrin (LFA-LFC) chimeric peptide gelatin drug-loaded fiber film by tissue engineering strategy, and study its bacteriostatic effect on oral pathogens (especially Candida albicans) and its effect on biofilm. First of all, LFA-LFC chitosan nanoparticles were prepared firstly, and then fluconazole gelatin (LF/GH/F) film loaded with LFA-LFC was prepared by electrospinning. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), mechanical strength, drug release, cytotoxicity, and real-time PCR were used to test the properties of the synthesized materials. SEM showed that there was the reticular structure for fiber film before and after cross-linking. LF/GH/F film had no obvious cytotoxicity, with good biocompatibility and drug release; real-time PCR and antibacterial test showed that the LF/GH/F film had good antibacterial activity. LF/GH/F film has a good inhibitory effect on oral pathogens, and its mechanism is related to biofilm. The antibacterial experiments of nanofiber membrane in vitro and the effect of bacterial biofilm were carried out. The effect of LF/GH/F on oral microbial flora structure was studied by fluorescence quantitative pest techniques.

Comparison of Nozzle-Based and Nozzle-Free Electrospinning for Preparation of Fast-Dissolving Nanofibers Loaded with Ciprofloxacin

The study aimed to prepare ciprofloxacin-loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone electrospun nanofibers for oral drug delivery, using a conventional nozzle-based and a lab-built nozzle-free electrospinning equipment. To produce nanofibers, electrospinning is the process most often used. However, from the industry’s point of view, conventional electrospinning does not have sufficiently high productivity. By omitting the nozzle, productivity can be increased, and so the development of nozzle-free processes is worthwhile. In this study, a solution of ciprofloxacin and polyvinylpyrrolidone was electrospun under similar conditions, using both single-nozzle and nozzle-free methods. The two electrospinning methods were compared by investigating the morphological and physicochemical properties, homogeneity, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity. The stability of the nanofibers was monitored from different aspects in a 26 month stability study. The results showed that the use of the nozzle-free electrospinning was preferable due to a higher throughput, improved homogeneity, and the enhanced stability of nanofiber mats, compared to the nozzle-based method. Nevertheless, fast dissolving nanofibers loaded with poorly water-soluble ciprofloxacin were produced by both electrospinning methods. The beneficial properties of these nanofibers can be exploited in innovative drug development; e.g., nanofibers can be formulated into orodispersible films or per os tablets.

A Comprehensive Review of Patented Technologies to Fabricate Orodispersible Films: Proof of Patent Analysis (2000–2020)

Orodispersible films (ODFs)are ultra-thin, stamp-sized, rapidly disintegrating, and attractive oral drug delivery dosage forms best suited for the pediatric and geriatric patient populations. They can be fabricated by different techniques, but the most popular, simple, and industrially applicable technique is the solvent casting method (SCM). In addition, they can also be fabricated by extrusion, printing, electrospinning, and by a combination of these technologies (e.g., SCM + printing). The present review is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of patented technologies of the last two decades to fabricate ODFs. Through this review, we present evidence to adamantly confirm that SCM is the most popular method while electrospinning is the most recent and upcoming method to fabricate ODFs. We also speculate around the more patent-protected technologies especially in the domain of printing (two or three-dimensional), extrusion (ram or hot-melt extrusion), and electrospinning, or a combination of the methods thereof.

Novel formulations and drug delivery systems to administer biological solids

Recent advances in formulation sciences have expanded the previously limited design space for biological modalities, including peptide, protein, and vaccine products. At the same time, the discovery and application of new modalities, such as cellular therapies and gene therapies, have presented formidable challenges to formulation scientists. We explore these challenges and highlight the opportunities to overcome them through the development of novel formulations and drug delivery systems as biological solids. We review the current progress in both industry and academic laboratories, and we provide expert perspectives in those settings. Formulation scientists have made a tremendous effort to accommodate the needs of these novel delivery routes. These include stability-preserving formulations and dehydration processes as well as dosing regimes and dosage forms that improve patient compliance.

Polymer-free cyclodextrin and natural polymer-cyclodextrin electrospun nanofibers: A comprehensive review on current applications and future perspectives

The present review discusses the use of cyclodextrins and their derivatives to prepare electrospun nanofibers with specific features. Cyclodextrins, owing to their unique capability to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic and volatile molecules, can indeed facilitate the encapsulation of bioactive compounds in electrospun nanofibers allowing fast-dissolving products for food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical purposes, filtering materials for wastewater and air purification, as well as a variety of other technological applications. Additionally, cyclodextrins can improve the processability of naturally occurring biopolymers helping the fabrication of "green" materials with a strong industrial relevance. Hence, this review provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art of different cyclodextrins-based nanofibers including those made of pure cyclodextrins, of polycyclodextrins, and those made of natural biopolymer functionalized with cyclodextrins. To this end, the advantages and disadvantages of such approaches and their possible applications are investigated along with the current limitations in the exploitation of electrospinning at the industrial level.

Electrospun PVP/PVA Nanofiber Mat as a Novel Potential Transdermal Drug-Delivery System for Buprenorphine: A Solution Needed for Pain Management

Over the past several decades, the formulation of novel nanofiber-based drug-delivery systems has been a frequent focus of scientists around the world. Aiming to introduce a novel nanofibrous transdermal drug-delivery system to treat pain, the nanofiber mats of buprenorphine-loaded poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (Bup/PVP) and buprenorphine-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (Bup/PVP/PVA) were successfully fabricated by the electrospinning process for transdermal drug delivery. Similarly, PVP and PVP/PVA nanofibers were fabricated in the same conditions for comparison. The viscosity and electrical conductivity of all electrospinning solutions were measured, and nanofiber mats were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and contact angle analysis. The conductivity of PVP and PVP/PVA solutions showed a considerable increase by the addition of buprenorphine due to the polarity of buprenorphine. SEM images showed a smooth, fine and porous nanofibrous structure without any adhesion or knot for all of the samples. The contact angle analysis showed the increased hydrophilicity and wettability of PVP/PVA and Bup/PVP/PVA nanofibers compared to PVP and Bup/PVP nanofibers which can be attributed to the addition of PVA. Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FT-IR results confirmed that the electrospinning process did not affect the chemical integrity of the drug. For the modification of the drug release rate, the cross-linking of nanofiber mats was carried out using glutaraldehyde. Drug release measurements using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis demonstrated that Bup/PVP/PVA nanofibers exhibited better physical and chemical properties compared to Bup/PVP. Furthermore, the cross-linking of nanofibers led to an increase in drug release time. Thus, the novel buprenorphine-loaded nanofibers can be efficient biomaterial patches for transdermal delivery against pain improving carrier retention and providing a controlled release of the drug.

Progress in the design and development of "fast-dissolving" electrospun nanofibers based drug delivery systems - A systematic review

Electrospinning has emerged as most viable approach for the fabrication of nanofibers with several beneficial features that are essential to various applications ranging from environment to biomedicine. The electrospun nanofiber based drug delivery systems have shown tremendous advancements over the controlled and sustained release complemented from their high surface area, tunable porosity, mechanical endurance, offer compatible environment for drug encapsulation, biocompatibility, high drug loading and tailorable release characteristics. The dosage formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs often faces several challenges including complete dissolution with maximum therapeutic efficiency over a short period of time especially through oral administration. In this context, challenges associated with the dosage formulation of poorly-water soluble drugs can be addressed through combining the beneficial features of electrospun nanofibers. This review describes major developments progressed in the preparation of electrospun nanofibers based "fast dissolving" drug delivery systems by employing variety of polymers, drug molecules and encapsulation approaches with primary focus on oral delivery. Furthermore, the review also highlights current scientific challenges and provide an outlook with regard to future prospectus.

Hydrocortisone/cyclodextrin complex electrospun nanofibers for a fast-dissolving oral drug delivery system

The electrospinning of hydrocortisone/cyclodextrin complex nanofibers was performed in order to develop a fast-dissolving oral drug delivery system. Hydrocortisone is a water-insoluble hydrophobic drug, yet, the water solubility of hydrocortisone was significantly enhanced by inclusion complexation with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CyD). In this study, hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD complexes were prepared in aqueous solutions having molar ratios of 1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2 (hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD). Highly concentrated aqueous solutions of HP-β-CyD (180%, w/v) were used for hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD systems (1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2) in order to perform electrospinning without the use of an additional polymer matrix. The turbidity of hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD (1/1 and 1/1.5) aqueous solutions indicated the presence of some uncomplexed crystals of hydrocortisone whereas the aqueous solution of hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD (1/2) was homogeneous indicating that hydrocortisone becomes totally water-soluble by inclusion complexation with HP-β-CyD. Nonetheless, the electrospinning of hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD systems (1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2) successfully yielded defect-free uniform nanofibrous structures. Moreover, the electrospinning process was quite efficient that hydrocortisone was completely preserved without any loss yielding hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD nanofibers having the initial molar ratios (1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2). The structural and thermal characterization of the hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD nanofibers revealed that hydrocortisone was totally inclusion complexed with HP-β-CyD and was in the amorphous state in hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD (1/2) nanofibers whereas some uncomplexed crystalline hydrocortisone was present in hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD (1/1 and 1/1.5) nanofibers. Nevertheless, hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD (1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2) complex aqueous systems were electrospun in the form of nanofibrous webs having a free-standing and flexible nature. The hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD (1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2) nanofibrous webs have shown fast-dissolving behavior in water or when they were in contact with artificial saliva. Yet, the hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD (1/2) nanofibrous web dissolved more quickly than the hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD (1/1 and 1/1.5) nanofibrous webs due to the full inclusion complexation and the amorphous state of hydrocortisone in this sample. In short, the results suggest that polymer-free electrospun nanofibrous webs produced from hydrocortisone/HP-β-CyD could be quite applicable for fast-dissolving oral drug delivery systems.

Pharmaceutical applications of electrospinning

Development of tailor-made pharmaceutical nanofibers has gained vital prominence due to ease of fabrication and versatility of electrospinning (ES). ES is one of the flexible and, wonderful strategies for the fabrication of nanofibers. ES unit comprises a supplier of high voltage current, a syringe (pump), spinneret and a metal plate collector. The obtained nanofibers are optimized by manipulating process and formulation variables Viz: polymer/drug resolution (viscosity, concentration, physical phenomenon, molecular mass) and the environmental conditions (humidity, temperature). The electrospun nanofibers can be used for loading of the drug, amorphization of a crystalline API and an increase in its physical storage stability. ES technique enables mixing of two or more API and may facilitate or inhibit the burst release of a drug, along with attainment of modified release. Additionally, nanofibers demonstrate a reduction in overall dose needed for the therapeutic activity, by improving dissolution and bioavailability of the drugs. The current review is an attempt to focus on ES method, the optimization parameters, and pharmaceutical applications of the electrospun nanofibers.

Fast Dissolving Oral Drug Delivery System Based on Electrospun Nanofibrous Webs of Cyclodextrin/Ibuprofen Inclusion Complex Nanofibers

In this study, the polymer-free electrospinning was performed in order to produce cyclodextrin/ibuprofen inclusion complex nanofibers, which could have potential as the fast dissolving oral drug delivery system. Ibuprofen is a poorly water-soluble nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; however, the water solubility of ibuprofen can be significantly enhanced by inclusion complexation with cyclodextrins. Here, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCyD) was chosen both as a nanofiber matrix and host molecule for inclusion complexation in order to enhance water solubility and fast dissolution of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen was inclusion-complexed with HPβCyD in highly concentrated aqueous solutions of HPβCyD (200%, w/v) having two different molar ratios: 1:1 and 2:1 (HPβCyD/ibuprofen). The HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC (1:1) aqueous solution was turbid having some undissolved/uncomplexed ibuprofen, whereas HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC (2:1) aqueous solution was homogeneous and clear, indicating that ibuprofen was totally complexed with HPβCyD and becomes water soluble. Then, both HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC solutions (1:1 and 2:1) were electrospun into bead-free and uniform nanofibers having ∼200 nm fiber diameter. The electrospun HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC nanofibers were obtained as nanofibrous webs having self-standing and flexible character, which is appropriate for fast dissolving oral drug delivery systems. Ibuprofen was completely preserved during the electrospinning process, and the resulting electrospun HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC nanofibers were produced without any loss of ibuprofen by preserving the initial molar ratio of 1:1 and 2:1 (HPβCyD/ibuprofen). X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry measurements indicated the presence of some crystalline ibuprofen in HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC (1:1) nanofibers, whereas ibuprofen was totally in the amorphous state in HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC (2:1) nanofibers. Nonetheless, both HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC (1:1 and 2:1) nanofibrous webs have shown very fast dissolving character when contacted with water or when wetted with artificial saliva. In brief, our results revealed that electrospun HPβCyD/ibuprofen-IC nanofibrous webs have potential as fast dissolving oral drug delivery systems.

Corona alternating current electrospinning: A combined approach for increasing the productivity of electrospinning

Corona alternating current electrospinning (C-ACES), a scaled-up productivity electrospinning method was developed by combining the intense forces of the alternating electrostatic field and a sharp-edged spinneret design with increased free surface. C-ACES reached two orders of magnitude higher productivity (up to 1200 mL/h) than the classical single needle direct current electrospinning (DCES) without any alteration of fiber properties. Polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVPK90), a water soluble high molecular weight nonionic polymer was processed for the first time with single needle alternating current electrospinning (ACES) and C-ACES in order to prepare fast dissolving amorphous solid dispersions of spironolactone (SPIR), a poorly water-soluble antihypertensive model drug. The limited spinnability of PVPK90 with AC high voltage could only be resolved by optimizing the solution conductivity with organophilic salts such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) demonstrating the importance of conductivity during ACES. The effects of varied solution properties (composition and conductivity) and scaling-up were investigated by SEM imaging. Solid state analyses revealed that SPIR was dispersed in an amorphous form in the fibrous mats. In vitro dissolution tests showed ultrafast drug release in case of the amorphous formulations even when prepared with scaled-up C-ACES. Besides the enhancement of conductivity SDS also prevents SPIR from precipitation from the dissolution media due to its solubilization ability.

Continuous manufacturing of orally dissolving webs containing a poorly soluble drug via electrospinning

An orally dissolving web (ODW) formulation of poorly soluble carvedilol (CAR) was developed and manufactured continuously using electrospinning (ES) as a key technology. Phase solubility tests revealed that hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) solubilizer alone cannot ensure sufficient solubility (6.25 mg CAR in 20 mL) in the oral cavity even if citric acid was present to ionize the basic drug. In turn, electrospun amorphous nanofibers of polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVPK30) and CAR exhibited notable supersaturation of the drug in the presence of citric acid. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) confirmed the amorphous state of CAR. The final ODW was prepared by layering the nanofibers onto pullulan, a well-soluble polysaccharide film carrying citric acid. The double-layered formulation showed ultrafast disintegration and dissolution modeling the oral cavity meeting regulatory requirements (<30 s). The continuous production was accomplished using our recently developed continuous model system by controlled deposition of the nanofibers onto the carrier film strained to a wheel collector and followed by cutting into final dosage units. Performance tests of the continuous system revealed satisfactory content uniformity over time (average acceptance value = 9.45), while residual solvent content measurements showed trace amounts of ethanol (EtOH) after production and acceptable dimethyl-formamide (DMF) content with secondary drying at room temperature. The presented work demonstrates how ES can be part of a continuous manufacturing system as an advanced drying tool during the formulation of challenging drugs.

Electrospinning of Cyclodextrin Functional Nanofibers for Drug Delivery Applications

Electrospun nanofibers have sparked tremendous attention in drug delivery since they can offer high specific surface area, tailored release of drugs, controlled surface chemistry for preferred protein adsorption, and tunable porosity. Several functional motifs were incorporated into electrospun nanofibers to greatly expand their drug loading capacity or to provide the sustained release of the embedded drug molecules. In this regard, cyclodextrins (CyD) are considered as ideal drug carrier molecules as they are natural, edible, and biocompatible compounds with a truncated cone-shape with a relatively hydrophobic cavity interior for complexation with hydrophobic drugs and a hydrophilic exterior to increase the water-solubility of drugs. Further, the formation of CyD-drug inclusion complexes can protect drug molecules from physiological degradation, or elimination and thus increases the stability and bioavailability of drugs, of which the release takes place with time, accompanied by fiber degradation. In this review, we summarize studies related to CyD-functional electrospun nanofibers for drug delivery applications. The review begins with an introductory description of electrospinning; the structure, properties, and toxicology of CyD; and CyD-drug complexation. Thereafter, the release of various drug molecules from CyD-functional electrospun nanofibers is provided in subsequent sections. The review concludes with a summary and outlook on material strategies.

Electrospun fixed dose formulations of amlodipine besylate and valsartan

Increasing numbers of elderly people require multi-drug therapies. One route to improve adherence rates is to prepare fixed dose combinations (FDCs), in which multiple active ingredients are loaded into a single formulation. Here, we report the use of electrospinning to prepare fast-dissolving oral FDCs containing amlodipine besylate and valsartan, two drugs prescribed as FDCs for the treatment of hypertension. Electrospun fibers were prepared loaded with one or both drugs, using polyvinylpyrrolidone as the polymer matrix. The fibers were largely cylindrical in morphology and comprise amorphous solid dispersions except with the highest loadings of amlodipine besylate. HPLC demonstrated drug entrapment efficiencies of >85% of the theoretical dose. The mats have folding endurances and thicknesses suitable for use as oral films. The amlodipine besylate-loaded systems are fast-dissolving, with >90% release obtained within 120 s. In contrast, valsartan release from its single-drug formulations took longer, ranging from 360 s to 24 min. With the FDC formulations, rapid release within 360 s was achieved when the loading was 5% w/w of each drug, but again the release time increased with drug loading. Electrospun fibers therefore have significant promise as FDCs, but the target drug and its loading need to be carefully considered.

A Summary of Electrospun Nanofibers as Drug Delivery System: Drugs Loaded and Biopolymers Used as Matrices

Recently, electrospun polymeric nanofibers have proven to be an interesting strategy for drug delivery systems application. The high surface-to-volume ratio of the fibers can improve some processes, such as cell binding and proliferation, drug loading, and mass transfer processes. One of the most important and studied areas of electrospinning is in the drug delivery field, for the controlled release of active substances ranging from antibiotics and anticancer agents to macromolecules such as proteins and DNA. The advantage of this method is that a wide variety of low solubility drugs can be loaded into the fibers to improve their bioavailability or to attain controlled release. This review presents an overview of the reported drugs loaded into polymeric nanofibers, to be used as drug delivery systems. For instance, it presents the reports on drugs with different bioactivities such as antiinflammatory, anti-microbial, anticancer, cardiovascular, anti-histamine, gastrointestinal, palliative and contraceptive drugs, etc. It also analyzes the electrospinning techniques used in each system, as well as the polymers used as matrices for the preparation of the nanofibers; unfolding the advantages of electrospun polymeric nanofibers over other drug delivery systems. This review intends to enlist and summarize the reported literature concerning this topic. In addition, it proposes future research in the field.

Influence of Working Temperature on The Formation of Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers

Temperature is an important parameter during electrospinning, and virtually, all solution electrospinning processes are conducted at ambient temperature. Nanofiber diameters presumably decrease with the elevation of working fluid temperature. The present study investigated the influence of temperature variations on the formation of polymeric nanofibers during single-fluid electrospinning. The surface tension and viscosity of the fluid decreased with increasing working temperature, which led to the formation of high-quality nanofibers. However, the increase in temperature accelerated the evaporation of the solvent and thus terminated the drawing processes prematurely. A balance can be found between the positive and negative influences of temperature elevation. With polyacrylonitrile (PAN, with N,N-dimethylacetamide as the solvent) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, with ethanol as the solvent) as the polymeric models, relationships between the working temperature (T, K) and nanofiber diameter (D, nm) were established, with D = 12598.6 - 72.9T + 0.11T ² (R = 0.9988) for PAN fibers and D = 107003.4 - 682.4T + 1.1T ² (R = 0.9997) for PVP nanofibers. Given the fact that numerous polymers are sensitive to temperature and numerous functional ingredients exhibit temperature-dependent solubility, the present work serves as a valuable reference for creating novel functional nanoproducts by using the elevated temperature electrospinning process.

Electrospun Fibers of Cyclodextrins and Poly(cyclodextrins)

Cyclodextrins (CDs) can endow electrospun fibers with outstanding performance characteristics that rely on their ability to form inclusion complexes. The inclusion complexes can be blended with electrospinnable polymers or used themselves as main components of electrospun nanofibers. In general, the presence of CDs promotes drug release in aqueous media, but they may also play other roles such as protection of the drug against adverse agents during and after electrospinning, and retention of volatile fragrances or therapeutic agents to be slowly released to the environment. Moreover, fibers prepared with empty CDs appear particularly suitable for affinity separation. The interest for CD-containing nanofibers is exponentially increasing as the scope of applications is widening. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art on CD-containing electrospun mats. The information has been classified into three main sections: (i) fibers of mixtures of CDs and polymers, including polypseudorotaxanes and post-functionalization; (ii) fibers of polymer-free CDs; and (iii) fibers of CD-based polymers (namely, polycyclodextrins). Processing conditions and applications are analyzed, including possibilities of development of stimuli-responsive fibers.

Spatial-heterodyne spectrometer for transmission-Raman observations

A new transmission Raman spectrometer has been developed using a spatial heterodyne spectrometer (SHS), taking advantage of the high etendue inherent in this class of spectrometer to maximize the light collected from the target. The system has been tested against paracetamol tablet samples. The instrument has been shown to accept light from 0.05 mm up to a 3 mm core diameter fibre bundle with a numerical aperture of 0.22, whilst no degradation in resolution is observed.

Electrospun Polyvinylpyrrolidone as a Carrier for Leaves Extracts of Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis

Nanofibers produced by electrospinning method have high porosity, large surface area, long size, and their dimensions are ranging from nanometers to micrometers. The synthesis process was straightforward, uncomplicated and it can be processed from various type of materials and the nanofibers can be used as drug release. The polymer matrix acts as a carrier of other materials that will be spun. The purpose of this study was to to prepare electrospun fiber mats and to incorporate extracts from the leaves of Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis plant (Binahong). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as a carrier matrix. Binahong leaf extract was added to a solution of PVP. The solution was then electrospun using a single nozzle and drum collector system under condition of voltage 12.5 kV, nozzle collector distance of 12 cm, and flow rate 10 μl /minute. In this study, the composite of Binahong extract and PVP solution was succesfully made into nanofiber.

Raman spectroscopy in pharmaceutical product design

Almost 100 years after the discovery of the Raman scattering phenomenon, related analytical techniques have emerged as important tools in biomedical sciences. Raman spectroscopy and microscopy are frontier, non-invasive analytical techniques amenable for diverse biomedical areas, ranging from molecular-based drug discovery, design of innovative drug delivery systems and quality control of finished products. This review presents concise accounts of various conventional and emerging Raman instrumentations including associated hyphenated tools of pharmaceutical interest. Moreover, relevant application cases of Raman spectroscopy in early and late phase pharmaceutical development, process analysis and micro-structural analysis of drug delivery systems are introduced. Finally, potential areas of future advancement and application of Raman spectroscopic techniques are discussed.

The Influence of Non-Ionic Surfactant on the Physical Characteristics of Curcumin-Loaded Nanofiber Manufactured by Electrospinning Method

Electrospinning is one of techniques used for nanofiber fabrication as drug delivery systems. Curcumin possesses challenging properties as it has low solubility and poor absorption. Incorporation of curcumin into nanofiber is expected to enhance solubility and absorption. In this study, curcumin loaded nanofiber for oral delivery has been developed. Nanofibers were synthesized from curcumin and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with mass ratio of 1:10 using electrospinning method. Various PVP concentration from 5 to 10 % (w/v) were used. To further assess the variation in the physical characteristics of fiber, the influence of Polysorbate 20, a nonionic surfactant, was studied. Electrospinning of curcumin-PVP nanofiber with the addition of Polysorbate 20 yielded fiber with overall diameter of 350-400 nm. In the absence of Polysorbate 20, the diameter was higher i.e 540-660 nm. The highest diameter was observed in highest PVP concentration at 10% (w/v). Drug release study showed that more than 50% of curcumin has been released within 45 minutes in all formulas. Initial rapid release occurred in the formula containing Polysorbate 20. As a summary, the presence of Polysorbate 20 reduced the diameter of curcumin-loaded PVP nanofiber and enhanced the release of curcumin from the fiber.

In vitro dissolution-permeation evaluation of an electrospun cyclodextrin-based formulation of aripiprazole using μFlux™

Since it is a well-known fact that among the newly discovered active pharmaceutical ingredients the number of poorly water soluble candidates is continually increasing, dissolution enhancement of poorly water soluble drugs has become one of the central challenges of pharmaceutical studies. So far the preclinical studies have been mainly focused on formulation methods to enhance the dissolution of active compounds, in many cases disregarding the fact that the formulation matrix not only affects dissolution but also has an effect on the transport through biological membranes, changing permeation of the drug molecules. The aim of this study was to test an electrospun cyclodextrin-based formulation of aripiprazole with the novel μFlux apparatus, which monitors permeation together with dissolution, and by this means better in vitro-in vivo correlation is achieved. It was evinced that a cyclodextrin-based electrospun formulation of aripiprazole has the potential to ensure fast drug delivery through the oral mucosa owing to the ultrafast dissolution of the drug from the formulation and the enhanced flux across membranes as shown by the result of the novel in vitro dissolution and permeation test.

Sulfisoxazole/cyclodextrin inclusion complex incorporated in electrospun hydroxypropyl cellulose nanofibers as drug delivery system

Herein, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) inclusion complex (IC) of a hydrophobic drug, sulfisoxazole (SFS) was incorporated in hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) nanofibers (HPC/SFS/HPβCD-IC-NF) via electrospinning. SFS/HPβCD-IC was characterized by DSC to investigate the formation of inclusion complex and the stoichiometry of the complex was determined by Job's plot. Modeling studies were also performed on SFS/HPβCD-IC using ab initio technique. SEM images depicted the defect free uniform fibers and confirmed the incorporation of SFS/HPβCD-IC in nanofibers did not alter the fiber morphology. XRD analyses showed amorphous distribution of SFS/HPβCD-IC in the fiber mat. Release studies were performed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The results suggest higher amount of SFS released from HPC/SFS/HPβCD-IC-NF when compared to free SFS containing HPC nanofibers (HPC/SFS-NF). This was attributed to the increased solubility of SFS by inclusion complexation. Sandwich configurations were prepared by placing HPC/SFS/HPβCD-IC-NF between electrospun PCL nanofibrous mat (PCL-HPC/SFS/HPβCD-IC-NF). Consequently, PCL-HPC/SFS/HPβCD-IC-NF exhibited slower release of SFS as compared with HPC/SFS/HPβCD-IC-NF. This study may provide more efficient future strategies for developing delivery systems of hydrophobic drugs.

Biomaterials-based nanofiber scaffold: targeted and controlled carrier for cell and drug delivery

Nanofiber scaffold formulations (diameter less than 1000 nm) were successfully used to deliver the drug/cell/gene into the body organs through different routes for an effective treatment of various diseases. Various fabrication methods like drawing, template synthesis, fiber-mesh, phase separation, fiber-bonding, self-assembly, melt-blown, and electrospinning are successfully used for fabrication of nanofibers. These formulations are widely used in various fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, cosmetics, as filter media, protective clothing, wound dressing, homeostatic, sensor devices, etc. The present review gives a detailed account on the need of the nanofiber scaffold formulation development along with the biomaterials and techniques implemented for fabrication of the same against innumerable diseases. At present, there is a huge extent of research being performed worldwide on all aspects of biomolecules delivery. The unique characteristics of nanofibers such as higher loading efficiency, superior mechanical performance (stiffness and tensile strength), controlled release behavior, and excellent stability helps in the delivery of plasmid DNA, large protein drugs, genetic materials, and autologous stem-cell to the target site in the future.