Influence of the drug distribution in electrospun gliadin fibers on drug-release behavior

The Incorporated Drug Affects the Properties of Hydrophilic Nanofibers

Hydrophilic nanofibers offer promising potential for the delivery of drugs with diverse characteristics. Yet, the effects of different drugs incorporated into these nanofibers on their properties remain poorly understood. In this study, we systematically explored how model drugs, namely ibuprofen, carvedilol, paracetamol, and metformin (hydrochloride), affect hydrophilic nanofibers composed of polyethylene oxide and poloxamer 188 in a 1:1 weight ratio. Our findings reveal that the drug affects the conductivity and viscosity of the polymer solution for electrospinning, leading to distinct changes in the morphology of electrospun products. Specifically, drugs with low solubility in ethanol, the chosen solvent for polymer solution preparation, led to the formation of continuous nanofibers with uniform diameters. Additionally, the lower solubility of metformin in ethanol resulted in particle appearance on the nanofiber surface. Furthermore, the incorporation of more hydrophilic drugs increased the surface hydrophilicity of nanofiber mats. However, variations in the physicochemical properties of the drugs did not affect the drug loading and drug entrapment efficiency. Our research also shows that drug properties do not notably affect the immediate release of drugs from nanofibers, highlighting the dominant role of the hydrophilic polymers used. This study emphasizes the importance of considering specific drug properties, such as solubility, hydrophilicity, and compatibility with the solvent used for electrospinning, when designing hydrophilic nanofibers for drug delivery. Such considerations are crucial for optimizing the properties of the drug delivery system, which is essential for achieving therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Improvement in the Sustained-Release Performance of Electrospun Zein Nanofibers via Crosslinking Using Glutaraldehyde Vapors

Volatile active ingredients in biopolymer nanofibers are prone to burst and uncontrolled release. In this study, we used electrospinning and crosslinking to design a new sustained-release active packaging containing zein and eugenol (EU). Vapor-phase glutaraldehyde (GTA) was used as the crosslinker. Characterization of the crosslinked zein nanofibers was conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical properties, water resistance, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. It was observed that crosslinked zein nanofibers did not lose their fiber shape, but the diameter of the fibers increased. By increasing the crosslink time, the mechanical properties and water resistance of the crosslinked zein nanofibers were greatly improved. The FT-IR results demonstrated the formation of chemical bonds between free amino groups in zein molecules and aldehyde groups in GTA molecules. EU was added to the zein nanofibers, and the corresponding release behavior in PBS was investigated using the dialysis membrane method. With an increase in crosslink time, the release rate of EU from crosslinked zein nanofibers decreased. This study demonstrates the potential of crosslinking by GTA vapors on the controlled release of the zein encapsulation structure containing EU. Such sustainable-release nanofibers have promising potential for the design of fortified foods or as active and smart food packaging.

Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes with Various Structures for Wound Dressing

Electrospun nanofiber membranes (NFMs) have high porosity and a large specific surface area, which provide a suitable environment for the complex and dynamic wound healing process and a large number of sites for carrying wound healing factors. Further, the design of the nanofiber structure can imitate the structure of the human dermis, similar to the natural extracellular matrix, which better promotes the hemostasis, anti-inflammatory and healing of wounds. Therefore, it has been widely studied in the field of wound dressing. This review article overviews the development of electrospinning technology and the application of electrospun nanofibers in wound dressings. It begins with an introduction to the history, working principles, and transformation of electrospinning, with a focus on the selection of electrospun nanofiber materials, incorporation of functional therapeutic factors, and structural design of nanofibers and nanofiber membranes. Moreover, the wide application of electrospun NFMs containing therapeutic factors in wound healing is classified based on their special functions, such as hemostasis, antibacterial and cell proliferation promotion. This article also highlights the structural design of electrospun nanofibers in wound dressing, including porous structures, bead structures, core-shell structures, ordered structures, and multilayer nanofiber membrane structures. Finally, their advantages and limitations are discussed, and the challenges faced in their application for wound dressings are analyzed to promote further research in this field.

Study on electrospinning of wheat gluten: A review

Electrospinning has attracted extensive attention among various nanofabrication technologies owing to its ability to produce nanofiber structures with unique properties, such as high specific surface area and porosity, as well as tunable fiber morphology and mechanical properties. The most representative spinning raw materials include natural polymers and synthetic polymers. Owing to the sustainable development strategies, more and more researchers focus on natural polymers. Among natural polymers, wheat gluten (WG) nanofibers have recently attracted much attention owing to its high specific surface area, superior biocompatibility, and unique viscoelasticity. This review summarizes the composition and characteristics of WG, the physical and chemical indicators of a WG electrospinning solution, the main influencing factors in the WG electrospinning process and a characterizations of WG nanofibers. Finally, the review also outlines the applications of WG nanofibers in drug release, biological scaffold, and active food packaging.

Multifunctional Scaffolds Based on Emulsion and Coaxial Electrospinning Incorporation of Hydroxyapatite for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Tissue engineering is nowadays a powerful tool to restore damaged tissues and recover their normal functionality. Advantages over other current methods are well established, although a continuous evolution is still necessary to improve the final performance and the range of applications. Trends are nowadays focused on the development of multifunctional scaffolds with hierarchical structures and the capability to render a sustained delivery of bioactive molecules under an appropriate stimulus. Nanocomposites incorporating hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp NPs) have a predominant role in bone tissue regeneration due to their high capacity to enhance osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and osteointegration, as well as their encapsulation efficiency and protection capability of bioactive agents. Selection of appropriated polymeric matrices is fundamental and consequently great efforts have been invested to increase the range of properties of available materials through copolymerization, blending, or combining structures constituted by different materials. Scaffolds can be obtained from different processes that differ in characteristics, such as texture or porosity. Probably, electrospinning has the greater relevance, since the obtained nanofiber membranes have a great similarity with the extracellular matrix and, in addition, they can easily incorporate functional and bioactive compounds. Coaxial and emulsion electrospinning processes appear ideal to generate complex systems able to incorporate highly different agents. The present review is mainly focused on the recent works performed with Hap-loaded scaffolds having at least one structural layer composed of core/shell nanofibers.

Bioactive gliadin electrospinning loaded with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil: Improves antimicrobial activity and release modeling behavior

This study aimed to produce electrospun gliadin nanofibers containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) (5, 10, and 15% w/w), thereby developing active, sustained-release antimicrobial mats. By increasing the level of the ZMEO, the zeta potential and electrical conductivity increased, but the viscosity and consistency index decreased. All feed solutions demonstrated shear-thinning behavior, and the power law model was the best model. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images proved that the gliadin nanofibers showed a uniform, beaded-free structure at different levels of ZMEO, with an average diameter of between 403.87 ± 15.29 and 522.19 ± 11.23 nm. Increments in the level of ZMEO decreased the mats' tensile strength and Young's modulus but increased their elongation at break. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that the ZMEO was well loaded within these structures, augmenting its thermal stability. The studied Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were more resistant to the ZMEO than the Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus). The Peleg model was the most suitable model for describing the ZMEO release behavior, the mechanism of which was primarily Fickian diffusion.

Biomaterials Used for Periodontal Disease Treatment: Focusing on Immunomodulatory Properties

The growing use of biomaterials with different therapeutic purposes increases the need for their physiological understanding as well as to seek its integration with the human body. Chronic inflammatory local pathologies, generally associated with infectious or autoimmunity processes, have been a current therapeutic target due to the difficulty in their treatment. The recent development of biomaterials with immunomodulatory capacity would then become one of the possible strategies for their management in local pathologies, by intervening in situ, without generating alterations in the systemic immune response. The treatment of periodontal disease as an inflammatory entity has involved the use of different approaches and biomaterials. There is no conclusive, high evidence about the use of these biomaterials in the regeneration of periodontitis sequelae, so the profession keeps looking for other different strategies. The use of biomaterials with immunomodulatory properties could be one, with a promising future. This review of the literature summarizes the scientific evidence about biomaterials used in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Fast Dissolution Electrospun Medicated Nanofibers for Effective Delivery of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs

BACKGROUND

Electrospinning is developing rapidly from an earlier laboratory method into an industrial process. The clinical applications are approached in various ways through electrospun medicated nanofibers. The fast-dissolving oral drug delivery system (DDS) among them is one of the most promising routes in the near future for commercial applications.

METHODS

Related papers are investigated, including the latest research results, on electrospun nanofiber-based fast-dissolution DDSs.

RESULTS

Several relative topics have been concluded: 1) the development of electrospinning, ranging from 1-fluid blending to multi-fluid process and potential applications in the formation of medicated nanofibers involving poorly water-soluble drugs; 2) Selection of appropriate polymer matrices and drug carriers for filament formation; 3) Types of poorly water-soluble drugs ideal for fast oral delivery; 4) The methods for evaluating fast-dissolving nanofibers; 5) The mechanisms that promote the fast dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs by electrospun nanofibers; 6) the important issues for further development of electrospun medicated nanofibers as oral fast-dissolving drug delivery systems. Conclusions & Perspectives: The unique properties of electrospun-medicated nanofibers can be used as oral fast dissolving DDSs of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, some significant issues need to be investigated, such as scalable productions and solid dosage form conversions.

Beyond the Single-Nozzle: Coaxial Electrospinning Enables Innovative Nanofiber Chemistries, Geometries, and Applications

With an ever increasing scientific, technological, and industrial interest in high surface area, porous nanofiber mats, electrospinning has emerged as a popular method to produce fibrous assemblies for use across biomedical, energy, and environmental applications. However, not all precursor solutions nor complex geometries can be easily fabricated using the traditional single-nozzle apparatus. Therefore, coaxial electrospinning, a modified version of electrospinning that features a concentrically aligned dual nozzle, has been developed. This review will first describe the mechanism of electrospinning two precursor solutions simultaneously and the operational parameters that need to be optimized to fabricate continuous fibers. Modifications that can be made to the coaxial electrospinning process, which enable the fabrication of uniform fibers with improved properties, as well as the fabrication of fibers that are hollow, functionalized, and from "nonspinnable precursors" will be discussed as a means of promoting the advantages of using a coaxial setup. Examples of how coaxially electrospun nanofibers are employed in diverse applications will be provided throughout this review. We conclude with a timely discussion about the current limitations and challenges of coaxial electrospinning.

Electrospun Functional Nanofiber Membrane for Antibiotic Removal in Water: Review

As a new kind of water pollutant, antibiotics have encouraged researchers to develop new treatment technologies. Electrospun fiber membrane shows excellent benefits in antibiotic removal in water due to its advantages of large specific surface area, high porosity, good connectivity, easy surface modification and new functions. This review introduces the four aspects of electrospinning technology, namely, initial development history, working principle, influencing factors and process types. The preparation technologies of electrospun functional fiber membranes are then summarized. Finally, recent studies about antibiotic removal by electrospun functional fiber membrane are reviewed from three aspects, namely, adsorption, photocatalysis and biodegradation. Future research demand is also recommended.

Size-Dependent Phagocytic Uptake and Immunogenicity of Gliadin Nanoparticles

The main objective of the present study was to investigate the hemo and immune compatibility of gliadin nanoparticles as a function of particle size. Gliadin nanoparticles of different size were prepared using a modified antisolvent nanoprecipitation method. The hemolytic potential of gliadin nanoparticles was evaluated using in vitro hemolysis assay. Phagocytic uptake of gliadin nanoparticles was studied using rat polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and murine alveolar peritoneal macrophage (J774) cells. In vivo immunogenicity of gliadin nanoparticles was studied following subcutaneous administration in mice. Gliadin nanoparticles were non-hemolytic irrespective of particle size and hence compatible with blood components. In comparison to positive control zymosan, gliadin nanoparticles with a size greater than 406 ± 11 nm showed higher phagocytic uptake in PMN cells, while the uptake was minimal with smaller nanoparticles (127 ± 8 nm). Similar uptake of gliadin nanoparticles was observed in murine alveolar peritoneal macrophages. Anti-gliadin IgG antibody titers subsequent to primary and secondary immunization of gliadin nanoparticles in mice were in the increasing order of 406 ± 11 nm < 848 ± 20 nm < coarse suspension). On the other hand, gliadin nanoparticles of 127 ± 8 nm in size did not elicit immunogenic response. Phagocytosis and immunogenicity of gliadin nanoparticles are strongly influenced by particle size. The results of this study can provide useful information for rational design of protein-based nanomaterials in drug delivery applications.

Pectin co-functionalized dual layered solid lipid nanoparticle made by soluble curcumin for the targeted potential treatment of colorectal cancer

The investigation is to increase the cytotoxicity of soluble curcumin (SC) by loading it onto pectin and skimmed milk powder (SMP) dual layered solid lipid nanoparticles (DL-SLN). The DL-SLN exhibited significantly higher encapsulation efficiency (83.94 ± 6.16), better stability (90 days), and sustained the drug release in different gastro intestional (GI) environments upto 72 h. Molecular docking revealed that the Vander Waals (57420.669 Kcal^-mol^-1) and electrostatic (-197.533) bonds were involved in the DL-SLN complex formation. The in vivo toxicity of DL-SLN was performed by the zebrafish model, the cell cycle arrest at G₂/M phase (64.34 %) by flow cytometry, and western blot investigation was recognized molecular level cell death using SW480 cells. Pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation (Cmax-5.78 ± 3.26 μg/mL; Tmax-24 h) and organ distribution studies confirmed that the co-functionalized pectin based SLN could efficiently improve the oral bioavailability (up to 72 h) of curcumin (CMN) on colon-targeted release.

Peptide-protein based nanofibers in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications

In recent years, electrospun fibers have found wide use, especially in pharmaceutical area and biomedical applications, related to the various advantages such as high surface-volume ratio, high solubility and having wide usage areas they have provided. Biocompatible and biodegradable fibers can be obtained by using peptide-protein structures of plant and animal derived along with synthetic polymers. Plant-derived proteins used in nanofiber production can be listed as, zein, soy protein, and gluten and animal derived proteins can be listed as casein, silk fibroin, hemoglobine, bovine serum albumin, elastin, collagen, gelatin, and keratin. Plant and animal proteins and synthetic peptides used in electrospun fiber production were reviewed in detail. In addition, the important physical properties of these materials for the electrospinning process and their use in pharmaceutical and biomedical areas were discussed.

Self-assembled liposome from core-sheath chitosan-based fibres for buccal delivery of carvedilol: formulation, characterization and in vitro and ex vivo buccal absorption

OBJECTIVES

A novel drug delivery system based on self-assembled liposome from core-sheath nanofibres for buccal delivery of Carvedilol (Car) was explored.

METHODS

The Car-loaded PVP/PC (phospholipids) layer was coated with chitosan-PVA (CS-PVA) or CS-PVP to increase retention period in the mouth. SEM, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), XRD and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were applied to characterize fibre diameter and drug state. Appearance, particle size and encapsulation efficiency of self-assembled liposome were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Zeta-sizer Nano. The dissolution test and permeation tests across porcine buccal mucosa and TR146 cell model also were run.

KEY FINDINGS

Confocal laser scanning microscopy and XRD confirmed the core-sheath structure of coaxial fibre and non-crystalline form of Car, separately. TEM demonstrated the sphere morphology of self-assembled liposome from spun fibres after contacting water. The dissolution test implied the ratio of PC to Car had a huge impact on drug release. The permeation tests across porcine buccal mucosa and TR146 cell model showed similar result, namely our formulation having a better permeation performance than Car suspension. The indirect toxicity against TR146 cells presented 5 mg/ml (or lower) of fibre extraction was safe for cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These researches exhibited this drug delivery system was promising and advantageous for Car buccal delivery.

Drug Delivery Applications of Core-Sheath Nanofibers Prepared by Coaxial Electrospinning: A Review

Electrospinning has emerged as one of the potential techniques for producing nanofibers. The use of electrospun nanofibers in drug delivery has increased rapidly over recent years due to their valuable properties, which include a large surface area, high porosity, small pore size, superior mechanical properties, and ease of surface modification. A drug loaded nanofiber membrane can be prepared via electrospinning using a model drug and polymer solution; however, the release of the drug from the nanofiber membrane in a safe and controlled way is challenging as a result of the initial burst release. Employing a core-sheath design provides a promising solution for controlling the initial burst release. Numerous studies have reported on the preparation of core-sheath nanofibers by coaxial electrospinning for drug delivery applications. This paper summarizes the physical phenomena, the effects of various parameters in coaxial electrospinning, and the usefulness of core-sheath nanofibers in drug delivery. Furthermore, this report also highlights the future challenges involved in utilizing core-sheath nanofibers for drug delivery applications.

The Relationships between Process Parameters and Polymeric Nanofibers Fabricated Using a Modified Coaxial Electrospinning

The concrete relationship between the process parameters and nanoproduct properties is an important challenge for applying nanotechnology to produce functional nanomaterials. In this study, the relationships between series of process parameters and the medicated nanofibers’ diameter were investigated. With an electrospinnable solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and ketoprofen as the core fluid, four kinds of nanofibers were prepared with ethanol as a sheath fluid and under the variable applied voltages. Based on these nanofibers, a series of relationships between the process parameters and the nanofibers’ diameters (D) were disclosed, such as with the height of the Taylor cone (H, D = 125 + 363H), with the angle of the Taylor cone (α, D = 1576 − 19α), with the length of the straight fluid jet (L, D = 285 + 209L), and with the spreading angle of the instable region (θ, D = 2342 − 43θ). In vitro dissolution tests verified that the smaller the diameters, the faster ketoprofen (KET) was released from the HPMC nanofibers. These concrete process-property relationships should provide a way to achieve new knowledge about the electrostatic energy-fluid interactions, and to meanwhile improve researchers’ capability to optimize the coaxial process conditions to achieve the desired nanoproducts.

Preparation and Characterization of Electrospun Colon-Specific Delivery System for Quercetin and Its Antiproliferative Effect on Cancer Cells

To improve the oral bioavailability of quercetin (Q) and achieve colon-specific release, a core-sheath electrospun fiber mat containing Q-loaded chitosan nanoparticle (Q-loaded EFM) was developed in this study. The nanoparticle was first fabricated, and its antioxidant activity was as effective as free Q. Then the uniform Q-loaded EFM was obtained using response surface methodology optimization, and its core-sheath structure was characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vitro release kinetics confirmed the colon targeting profile, and the release rate of Q varied inversely with fiber diameter. The data of Cell Counting Kit-8 suggested Q-loaded EFM inhibited the proliferation of Caco-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an IC50 of 4.36, 2.81, and 2.01 mg/mL after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, and it was caused by arresting cell cycle on G₀/G₁ phase and triggering apoptotic cell death. This study suggests that the Q-loaded EFM represents a promising form in the oral therapy of colon disorders.

Recent Progress in Coaxial Electrospinning: New Parameters, Various Structures, and Wide Applications

Electrospinning, a common method for synthesizing 1D nanostructures, has contributed to developments in the electrical, electrochemical, biomedical, and environmental fields. Recently, a coaxial electrospinning process has been used to fabricate new nanostructures with advanced performance, but intricate and delicate process conditions hinder reproducibility and mass production. Herein, recent progress in new emerging parameters for successful coaxial electrospinning, and the various nanostructures and critical application areas resulting from these activities. Relationships between the new parameters and final product characteristics are described, new possibilities for nanostructures achievable via coaxial electrospinning are identified, and new research directions with a view to future applications are suggested.

Amine-Functionalized Electrically Conductive Core-Sheath MEH-PPV:PCL Electrospun Nanofibers for Enhanced Cell-Biomaterial Interactions

In the present study, a conducting polymer, poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) along with a biodegradable polymer poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was used to prepare an electrically conductive, biocompatible, bioactive, and biodegradable nanofibrous scaffold for possible use in neural tissue engineering applications. Core-sheath electrospun nanofibers of PCL as the core and MEH-PPV as the sheath, were surface-functionalized with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and 1,6-hexanediamine to obtain amine-functionalized surface to facilitate cell-biomaterial interactions with the aim of replacing the costly biomolecules such as collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide for surface modification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of core-sheath morphology of the electrospun nanofibers, whereas Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed successful incorporation of amine functionality after surface functionalization. Adhesion, spreading, and proliferation of 3T3 fibroblasts were enhanced on the surface-functionalized electrospun meshes, whereas the neuronal model rat pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells also adhered and differentiated into sympathetic neurons on these meshes. Under a constant electric field of 500 mV for 2 h/day for 3 consecutive days, the PC12 cells displayed remarkable improvement in the neurite formation and outgrowth on the surface-functionalized meshes that was comparable to those on the collagen-coated meshes under no electrical signal. Electrical stimulation studies further demonstrated that electrically stimulated PC12 cells cultured on collagen I coated meshes yielded more and longer neurites than those of the unstimulated cells on the same scaffolds. The enhanced neurite growth and differentiation suggest the potential use of these scaffolds for neural tissue engineering applications.

Recent advances in electrospun for drug delivery purpose

Electrospun, an advanced technology, has been successfully employed for fibre production and offers many merits in novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). In recent years, electrospun has gained significant attention and attraction of the scientists in soaring numbers. This technology is superior to other technologies in fabricating the fibres which range from micrometers to manometers scale. The selection of appropriate polymers, electrospun processes and electrospun parameters play important roles in controlling the drug release while, treating serious illness. Besides, electrospraying process has similar characteristics to the electrospun and is presented briefly here. Further, in vivo and in vitro evaluations of the electrospun nanofibers are comprehensively discussed. In addition, the electrospun nanotechnology has been exploited to design drug release systems, investigate drug's pharmacokinetics and further develop DDS. The electrospun nanofibers improve bioactivity of various types of drugs including water-insoluble, soluble, anticancer and antibacterial drugs and genetic materials. In the end, the prospects and challenges in the process of designing drug-loaded electrospun nanofibers are discussed in detail.

Antimicrobial quaternary ammonium organosilane cross-linked nanofibrous collagen scaffolds for tissue engineering

Introduction

In search for cross-linkers with multifunctional characteristics, the present work investigated the utility of quaternary ammonium organosilane (QOS) as a potential cross-linker for electrospun collagen nanofibers. We hypothesized that the quaternary ammonium ions improve the electrospinnability by reducing the surface tension and confer antimicrobial properties, while the formation of siloxane after alkaline hydrolysis could cross-link collagen and stimulate cell proliferation.

Materials and methods

QOS collagen nanofibers were electrospun by incorporating various concentrations of QOS (0.1%–10% w/w) and were cross-linked in situ after exposure to ammonium carbonate. The QOS cross-linked scaffolds were characterized and their biological properties were evaluated in terms of their biocompatibility, cellular adhesion and metabolic activity for primary human dermal fibroblasts and human fetal osteoblasts.

Results and discussion

The study revealed that 1) QOS cross-linking increased the flexibility of otherwise rigid collagen nanofibers and improved the thermal stability; 2) QOS cross-linked mats displayed potent antibacterial activity and 3) the biocompatibility of the composite mats depended on the amount of QOS present in dope solution – at low QOS concentrations (0.1% w/w), the mats promoted mammalian cell proliferation and growth, whereas at higher QOS concentrations, cytotoxic effect was observed.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that QOS cross-linked mats possess anti-infective properties and confer niches for cellular growth and proliferation, thus offering a useful approach, which is important for hard and soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Fast Dissolving of Ferulic Acid via Electrospun Ternary Amorphous Composites Produced by a Coaxial Process

Enhancing the dissolution of insoluble active ingredients comprises one of the most important issues in the pharmaceutical and biomaterial fields. Here, a third generation solid dispersion (3rd SD) of ferulic acid was designed and fabricated by a modified coaxial electrospinning process. A traditional second generation SD (2nd SD) was also prepared by common one-fluid blending electrospinning and was used as a control. With poly(vinyl alcohol) as the fiber matrix and polyvinylpyrrolidone K10 as an additive in the 3rd SDs, the two electrospinning processes were investigated. The prepared 2nd and 3rd SDs were subjected to a series of characterizations, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), hydrophilicity and in vitro drug dissolving experiments. The results demonstrate that both SDs were monolithic nanocomposites and that the drugs were amorphously distributed within the matrix. However, the 3rd SDs had better morphology with smaller size, narrower size distribution, and smaller water contact angles than the 2nd SDs. Dissolution tests verified that the 3rd SDs could release their loaded cargoes within 60 s, which was over three times faster than the 2nd SDs. Therefore, a combined strategy based on the modified coaxial electrospinning and the logical selections of drug carriers is demonstrated for creating advanced biomaterials.

Dual temperature and pH responsive nanofiber formulations prepared by electrospinning

We report a dual-responsive drug delivery system prepared by electrospinning. Blend fibers of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) and ethyl cellulose (EC) were first prepared, with the aim of developing thermoresponsive sustained release formulations. Eudragit L100-based fibers were then generated to yield pH-sensitive materials. Attempts to produce three-polymer fibers of EC, PNVCL and Eudragit were unsuccessful, and therefore hybrid mats containing two fiber populations (one made of PNVCL/EC, one comprising Eudragit) were instead fabricated by twin-jet electrospinning. Analogous drug-loaded versions of all the formulations were also prepared containing ketoprofen (KET). The fibers were largely smooth and homogeneous, and the addition of KET did not affect their morphology. The PNVCL-containing fiber mats changed from being hydrophilic to hydrophobic when the temperature was increased through the lower critical solution temperature of 33 °C. In vitro drug release profiles showed that the hybrid fiber mats were able to combine the properties of the three polymers, exhibiting both pH-sensitive and thermosensitive properties with sustained release. In addition, they were found to be nontoxic and suitable for cell growth. This study therefore demonstrates that PNVCL/EC/KET-Eudragit/KET multicomponent fiber mats comprise effective and biocompatible materials for targeted drug delivery.