Development and characterization of rapid dissolving ornidazole loaded PVP electrospun fibers

Development and evaluation of sildenafil/glycyrrhizin-loaded nanofibers as a potential novel buccal delivery system for erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a growing health condition that needs safe and effective therapy. One of the main common treatments is sildenafil which is used in clinics for managing erectile dysfunction by enhancing the blood supply to the penis. In the current study, sildenafil was formulated as nanofibers and mixed with the root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (glycyrrhizin) as a natural sweetener to be administrated in the buccal cavity for enhanced drug bioavailability, rapid drug absorption and improved patient compliance. The formulated dual-loaded nanofibers were evaluated by measuring diameter, disintegration, drug loading efficiency, drug release profile, and in vitro cell viability assessment. The results showed that the sildenafil/glycyrrhizin-loaded fibers had a diameter of 0.719 ± 0.177 μm and lacked any beads and pores formation on their surfaces. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency for sildenafil were measured as 52 ± 7 µg/mg and 67 ± 9 %, respectively, while they were 290 ± 32 μg/mg and 94 ± 10 %, respectively, for glycyrrhizin. The release rate of sildenafil and glycyrrhizin demonstrated a burst release in the first minute, followed by a gradual increment until a complete release after 120 min. The in vitro cell viability evaluation exhibited that the application of sildenafil and glycyrrhizin is safe upon 24-hour treatment on human skin fibroblast cells at all used concentrations (i.e., ≤ 1,000 and 4,000 μg/mL, respectively). However, the application of sildenafil-glycyrrhizin combination (in a ratio of 1:4) demonstrated more than 80 % cell viability at concentrations of ≤ 250 and 1000 μg/mL, respectively, following 24-hour cell exposure. Therefore, sildenafil/glycyrrhizin dual-loaded PVP nanofibers showed a potential buccal therapeutic approach for erectile dysfunction management.

Optimizing the fabrication of electrospun nanofibers of prochlorperazine for enhanced dissolution and permeation properties

Despite being an approved antiemetic for more than five decades, the clinical usefulness of prochlorperazine is limited by its low solubility and inconsistent absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, which presents challenges for nanotherapeutic interventions. Here, we report the preparation of a highly soluble and permeable nanofiber formulation of prochlorperazine using the Quality-by-Design approach. The final nanofiber formulation with drug entrapment of 88.02 ± 1.14 % was obtained at 20.0 kV, with a flow rate of 0.5 ml/h and tip-to-collector distance of 19.9 cm. Physio-mechanical properties, such as thickness (0.42 ± 0.02 mm), pH resistance (7.04 ± 0.08), folding endurance (54 ± 5), and tensile strength (0.244 ± 0.02 N.mm-2), were appropriate for packaging and application to oromucosal surfaces. The content uniformity (93.48-106.63 %) and weight variation (<1.8 mg) of the optimal nanofiber formulation were within the permissible limits prescribed for orodispersible films. Microscopical investigations confirm a randomly deposited and dense network of woven nanofibers with an average diameter of 363 ± 5.66 nm. The drug particles were embedded homogeneously on the fiber in the nanoform (4.27 ± 1.34 nm). The spectral analysis using TEM-EDS shows diffraction peaks of sulfur and chlorine, the elemental constituents of prochlorperazine. The drug was amorphized in the nanofiber formulation, as led by the decline of the crystallinity index from 87.25 % to 7.93 % due to electrostatic destabilization and flash evaporation of the solvent. The enthalpy of fusion values of the drug in the nanofiber mat decreased significantly to 23.6 J/g compared to its pristine form, which exhibits a value of 260.7 J/g. The nanofibers were biocompatible with oral mucosal cells, and there were no signs of mucosal irritation compared to 1 % sodium lauryl sulfate. The fiber mats rapidly disintegrated within <1 s and released ≈91.49 ± 2.1 % of the drug within 2 min, almost 2-fold compared to the commercial Stemetil MD® tablets. Similarly, the cumulative amount of the drug permeated across the unit area of the oromucosal membrane was remarkably high (31.28 ± 1.30 μg) compared to 10.17 ± 1.11 μg and 13.10 ± 1.79 μg from the cast film and drug suspension. Our results revealed these nanofiber formulations have the potential to be fast-dissolving oromucosal delivery systems, which can result in enhanced bioavailability with an early onset of action due to rapid disintegration, dissolution, and permeation.

An Overview of Polymeric Nanoplatforms to Deliver Veterinary Antimicrobials

There is an urgent need to find new solutions for the global dilemma of increasing antibiotic resistance in humans and animals. Modifying the performance of existing antibiotics using the nanocarrier drug delivery system (DDS) is a good option considering economic costs, labor costs, and time investment compared to the development of new antibiotics. Numerous studies on nanomedicine carriers that can be used for humans are available in the literature, but relatively few studies have been reported specifically for veterinary pharmaceutical products. Polymer-based nano-DDS are becoming a research hotspot in the pharmaceutical industry owing to their advantages, such as stability and modifiability. This review presents current research progress on polymer-based nanodelivery systems for veterinary antimicrobial drugs, focusing on the role of polymeric materials in enhancing drug performance. The use of polymer-based nanoformulations improves treatment compliance in livestock and companion animals, thereby reducing the workload of managers. Although promising advances have been made, many obstacles remain to be addressed before nanoformulations can be used in a clinical setting. Some crucial issues currently facing this field, including toxicity, quality control, and mass production, are discussed in this review. With the continuous optimization of nanotechnology, polymer-based DDS has shown its potential in reducing antibiotic resistance to veterinary medicines.

Development of Imeglimin Electrospun Nanofibers as a Potential Buccal Antidiabetic Therapeutic Approach

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been growing worldwide; hence, safe and effective antidiabetics are critically warranted. Recently, imeglimin, a novel tetrahydrotriazene compound, has been approved for use in T2D patients in Japan. It has shown promising glucose-lowering properties by improving pancreatic beta-cell function and peripheral insulin sensitivity. Nevertheless, it has several drawbacks, including suboptimal oral absorption and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. Therefore, this study aimed to fabricate a novel formulation of imeglimin loaded into electrospun nanofibers to be delivered through the buccal cavity to overcome the current GI-related adverse events and to provide a convenient route of administration. The fabricated nanofibers were characterized for diameter, drug-loading (DL), disintegration, and drug release profiles. The data demonstrated that the imeglimin nanofibers had a diameter of 361 ± 54 nm and DL of 23.5 ± 0.2 μg/mg of fibers. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data confirmed the solid dispersion of imeglimin, favoring drug solubility, and release with improved bioavailability. The rate of drug-loaded nanofibers disintegration was recorded at 2 ± 1 s, indicating the rapid disintegration ability of this dosage form and its suitability for buccal delivery, with a complete drug release after 30 min. The findings of this study suggest that the developed imeglimin nanofibers have the potential to be given via the buccal route, thereby achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes and improving patient compliance.

Electrospun Mucoadhesive Zein/PVP Fibroporous Membrane for Transepithelial Delivery of Propranolol Hydrochloride

Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems have been extensively studied to effectively reduce the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. Zein and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) are appraised for mucoadhesive properties. This study focuses on developing a mechanically stable zein/PVP electrospun membrane for propranolol hydrochloride (PL) transport. Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectra, and swelling studies gave evidence for PVP crosslinking, whereas circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed crosslinking of zein owing to the conformational change from α-helix to β-sheet. A 10 h thermal treatment of zein/PVP imparted 3.92 ± 0.13 MPa tensile strength to the matrix. Thermally crosslinked electrospun zein/PVP matrix showed 22.1 ± 0.1 g mm work of adhesion in porcine buccal mucosa tissue. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of cytotoxicity in RPMI 2650 has been carried out. The in vitro drug release profile of PL from thermally crosslinked zein/PVP best fitted with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Immunostaining of β-catenin adherens junctional protein confirmed the absence of paracellular transport through the junctional opening. Still, drug permeation was observed through the porcine buccal mucosa, attributed to the transcellular transport of PL owing to its lipophilicity. The ex vivo permeation of PL through porcine buccal mucosa was also evaluated.

Co-delivery of gentiopicroside and thymoquinone using electrospun m-PEG/PVP nanofibers: In-vitro and In vivo studies for antibacterial wound dressing in diabetic rats

Nanofibers (NFs) provide several delivery advantages like their great flexibility and similarity with extracellular matrix (ECM) which qualify them to be the unique model of a wound dressing. NFs could create mats of polymeric matrix loaded with an active agent enhancing its solubility and stability. In our study, Gentiopicroside (GPS) and Thymoquinone (TQ) loaded in NFs polymeric mats composed of coblended polyvinyl pyrrolidine (PVP) and methyl ether Polyethylene glycol (m-PEG) were fabricated via electrospinning technique. A morphological study using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed for all formulae as well as in vitro release study using High-performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC) for sample analysis. The optimized formula (F3) was chosen for further assays using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Study of the antibacterial effect, and in vivo healing action for diabetic infected wounds to quantify Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and Cyclooxygenase-2 were also investigated. F3 achieved the highest % cumulative release (99.79 ± 6.47 for GPS and 96.89 ± 6.87 for TQ) at 60 min, and a smaller diameter (200 nm) showing significant anti-bacterial effects with well-organized skin architecture demonstrating great healing signs. Our results revealed that m-PEG/PVP NFs mats loaded with GPS and TQ could be considered an optimal wound care dressing.

Recent advances in functionally modified polymers for mucoadhesive drug delivery

Novel methods for the delivery of drugs other than the conventional method of oral administration have been a thrust area of research for a few decades. Mucoadhesive delivery of drugs opened up a new domain where rapid and patient-friendly delivery of drugs can be achieved. Delivery of drugs through the mucosal sites such as buccal, nasal, ocular, sublingual, rectal and vaginal facilitates bypassing the first-pass metabolism and the drug reaches the systemic circulation directly. This helps to increase the bioavailability of the drug. The study of the chemical characteristics of polymers with mucoadhesive properties and how the molecules or the pharmaceuticals are transported across the mucosa is very much needed for the advancement of research in this field. And at the same time, it is very pertinent to know about the anatomy and the physiology of the mucosal tissue and its variation in different regions of the body. In this review, we try to present a comprehensive understanding of relevant topics of mucoadhesion giving more emphasis on the mechanism of transport of drugs across mucosa, and different possible functional modifications of polymers to enhance the property of mucoadhesion.

Orally Fast Disintegrating Cyclodextrin/Prednisolone Inclusion-Complex Nanofibrous Webs for Potential Steroid Medications

Prednisolone is a widely used immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drug type that suffers from low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Due to the inclusion complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs), prednisolone's drawbacks that hinder its potential during the administration can be eliminated effectively. Here, we have early shown the electrospinning of free-standing nanofibrous webs of CD/prednisolone inclusion complexes (ICs) in the absence of a polymer matrix. In this study, hydroxypropyl-beta-CD (HPβCD) has been used to form ICs with prednisolone and generate nanofibrous webs with a drug loading capacity of ∼10% (w/w). Pullulan/prednisolone nanofibrous webs have been also fabricated as a control sample having the same drug loading (∼10%, w/w). It has been demonstrated that prednisolone has been found in an amorphous state in the HPβCD/prednisolone nanofibrous web due to inclusion complexation, while it has retained its crystal structure in the pullulan/prednisolone nanofibrous web. Therefore, the HPβCD/prednisolone IC nanofibrous web has shown a faster and enhanced release profile and superior disintegration feature in artificial saliva than the pullulan/prednisolone nanofibrous web. The complexation energy calculated using ab initio modeling displayed a more favorable interaction between HPβCD and prednisolone in the case of a molar ratio of 2:1 than 1:1 (CD: drug). Here, the HPβCD/prednisolone IC nanofibrous web has been developed without using a toxic component or solvent to dissolve drug molecules and boost drug loading in amorphous nature. The investigation of IC nanofibrous webs has been conducted to formulate a promising alternative to the orally disintegrating tablet formulation of prednisolone in the market. The nanofibrous structure and the improved physicochemical properties of prednisolone arising with the complexation might ensure a faster disintegration and onset of action against commercially available and orally disintegrating delivery systems during the desired treatment.

Effects of electrospun fiber curcumin on bisphenol A exposed Caco-2 cells

Curcumin; the major polyphenolic compound, isolated from Curcuma longa L.; loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 fibers were prepared using electrospinning method. Effectiveness was tested on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells with the presence of the endocrine disrupter Bisphenol A. Curcumin-loaded fibers were shown to have good physicochemical properties where excellent morphology of the electrospin fibers were formed. With the presence of 8 nM Bisphenol A, 17.37 mM fibers were found to inhibit proliferation in the cells in a dose-dependent manner. Fibers induced a significant increase in malondialdehyde by Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Assay compared to the control and this effect was supported by the presence of Bisphenol A. Western blot results indicate Super Oxide Dismutase-1 levels were increased by fiber, while Bisphenol A coincubated group resulted in a decrease. Fibers increased the expression of Estrogen Receptor 2, while Estrogen Receptor 1 expression did not change. Estrogen Receptor 2 expression was increased by coincubation with Bisphenol A; indicating a possible role of Estrogen Receptor 2 in the protective effects of fiber. This study presents that fiber had enhanced bioavailability and solubility with increased anticancer effect in human colon adenocarcinoma cells in presence of Bisphenol A; where involved mechanisms are antioxidant system and estrogen receptor expression.

Development and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles loaded nanofiber hybrid system for vaginal controlled release of benzydamine

Vaginal infections caused by various pathogens such as fungi, viruses and protozoa are frequently seen. Systemic and local treatments can be applied to eliminate these infections. Novel vaginal drug delivery systems can be used to provide local treatment. Vaginal drug delivery systems prevent systemic side effects and can provide long-term drug release in the vaginal area. Nanofibers and nanoparticles have a wide range of applications and can also be preferred as vaginal drug delivery systems. Benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drug which is used for treatment of vaginal infections. The aim of this study was to compare the nanofiber and gel formulations containing lyophilized benzydamine nanoparticles with nanofiber and gel formulations containing free benzydamine, and to provide prolonged release for protection from the vaginal infections. Ionic gelation method was used for the preparation of benzydamine loaded nanoparticles. To produce benzydamine nanoparticles loaded nanofiber formulations, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions were prepared at 10% concentrations and mixed with nanoparticles. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was used as a gelling agent at the concentration of 1% for the vaginal gel formulation. Nanoparticles were characterized in terms of zeta potential, polydispersity index and particle size. Viscosity, surface tension and conductivity values of the polymer solutions were measured for the electrospinning. Mechanical properties, contact angle and drug loading capacity of the fibers were determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, mucoadhesion, ex vivo permeability studies and in vitro release studies were performed for the selected formulations. Ex vivo permeability studies were performed using Franz diffusion cell method. SEM and TEM images showed that fiber diameters increased with loading of nanoparticles. DSC studies showed no interaction between excipients used in the formulation. Tensile strength and elongation at break values of the fibers increased with the loading of nanoparticles, and the contact angle values of the fibers were found to be 0°. Addition of benzydamine nanoparticles to gel and nanofiber formulations increased mucoadhesion compared to free benzydamine loading formulations. Benzydamine nanoparticle loaded gel and nanofiber formulations penetrated slower than that of free benzydamine gel and fiber formulations. The results demonstrated that benzydamine and benzydamine nanoparticle loaded fibers and gels could be a potential drug delivery system for the treatment of vaginal infections. Chitosan nanoparticle loaded nanofiber formulations are offered as an alternative controlled release vaginal formulations for vaginal infections.

Electrospun orally disintegrating film formulation of telmisartan

Telmisartan (TEL) is an antihypertensive BCS class II drug with low solubility at physiological pH. However, the solubility of TEL increases with the presence of an alkalizer. Electrospinning is one of the most recent techniques for the solubility enhancement studies. In this study, an electrospun orally disintegrating film (ODF) formulation of TEL was developed with L-arginine and polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP), and its characterization studies were performed. Preformulation studies were performed to investigate possible incompatibilities in the components of formulation with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) analyses. ODFs were characterized in terms of drug content and uniformity, mechanical properties, fiber shape and diameter and in vitro dissolution profile. Smooth nanofibers without any beads were obtained. The dissolution rate of the TEL significantly increased. The chosen formulation had acceptable mechanical properties with much faster dissolution compared to the commercially available product. Developed ODF and marketed product were compared with a dissolution study in phosphate-buffered solution (pH 7.4). ODF and marketed product both reached 100% release in the 45th minute, and ODF results showed that ODF had much faster release than marketed product. In this study, TEL ODF formulation was successfully produced and characterized.

The use of polymer blends to improve stability and performance of electrospun solid dispersions: The role of miscibility and phase separation

Solid dispersion-based nanofiber formulations of poorly soluble drugs prepared by electrospinning (ES) with a water-soluble polymer, can offer significant improvements in drug dissolution for oral drug administration. However, when hygroscopic polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are used, environmental moisture sorption can lead to poor physical stability on storage. This study investigated the use of polymer blends to modify PVP-based ES formulations of a model poorly soluble drug, fenofibrate (FF), to improve its physical stability without compromising dissolution enhancement. FF-PVP ES dispersions demonstrated clear dissolution enhancement, but poor storage stability against high humidity. Polymer blends of PVP with Eudragit E, Soluplus and hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), were selected because of the low intrinsic moisture sorption of these polymers. The drug-polymer and polymer-polymer miscibility study revealed that FF was more miscible with Eudragit E and Soluplus than with PVP and HPMCAS, and that PVP was more miscible with HPMCAS than Eudragit E and Soluplus. This led to different configurations of phase separation in the placebo and drug-loaded fibres. The in vitro drug release data confirmed that the use of PVP-Eudragit E retained the dissolution enhancement of the PVP formulation, whereas PVP-Soluplus reduced the drug release rate in comparison to FF-PVP formulations. The moisture sorption results confirmed that moisture uptake by the polymer blends was reduced, but formulation deformation occurred to phase-separated blend formulations. The data revealed the importance of miscibility and phase separation in understanding the physical stability of the ES fibre mats. The findings provide insight into the design of formulations that can provide dissolution enhancement balanced with improved storage stability.

Effectiveness of Core-Shell Nanofibers Incorporating Amphotericin B by Solution Blow Spinning Against Leishmania and Candida Species

The aim of this study was to develop polymeric nanofibers for controlled administration of Amphotericin B (AmpB), using the solution centrifugation technique, characterizing its microstructural and physical properties, release rate, and activity against Leishmania and Candida species. The core-shell nanofibers incorporated with AmpB were synthesized by Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, X-Ray diffraction, and drug release assay. In vitro leishmanicidal and antifungal activity were also evaluated. Fibrous membranes with uniform morphology and smooth surfaces were produced. The intensity of the diffraction peaks becomes slightly more pronounced, assuming the increased crystallization in PLA/PEG at high AmpB loadings. Drug release occurred and the solutions with nanofibers to encourage greater incorporation of AmpB showed a higher concentration. In the results of the experiment with promastigotes, the wells treated with nanofibers containing concentrations of AmpB at 0.25, 0.5, and 1%, did not have any viable cells, similar to the positive control. Various concentrations of AmpB improved the inhibition of fungal growth. The delivery system based on PLA/PEG nanofibers was properly developed for AmpB, presenting a controlled release and a successful encapsulation, as well as antifungal and antileishmanial activity.

Biodegradable engineered fiber scaffolds fabricated by electrospinning for periodontal tissue regeneration

Considering the specificity of periodontium and the unique advantages of electrospinning, this technology has been used to fabricate biodegradable tissue engineering materials for functional periodontal regeneration. For better biomedical quality, a continuous technological progress of electrospinning has been performed. Based on property of materials (natural, synthetic or composites) and additive novel methods (drug loading, surface modification, structure adjustment or 3 D technique), various novel membranes and scaffolds that could not only relief inflammation but also influence the biological behaviors of cells have been fabricated to achieve more effective periodontal regeneration. This review provides an overview of the usage of electrospinning materials in treatments of periodontitis, in order to get to know the existing research situation and find treatment breakthroughs of the periodontal diseases.

Human mouthfeel panel investigating the acceptability of electrospun and solvent cast orodispersible films

A human panel study was performed to investigate the acceptability of orodispersible electrospun and solvent cast films. 50 healthy volunteers took two drug-free samples of polyvinyl alcohol films prepared by the two methods. On a 5-point hedonic scale, the volunteers assessed the films' perceived size, stickiness, thickness, disintegration time, thickening effect on saliva, and handling. The films manufactured by both methods were similar in their end-user acceptability. The modal values of perceived size, thickness, disintegration time, saliva thickening effect, and handling were high (4 or 5). However, for both, the stickiness mode was 2 (strongly sticky) and the only negative attribute. Both films were reported to take approximately 30 s to disintegrate completely in the mouth. Electrospun films scored similarly high to solvent cast orodispersible films in most attributes of end-user acceptability. Electrospun films were marginally preferred, with 27 out of 50 participants picking electrospinning when presented with a forced choice test of both fabrication methods. This is the first study to show that electrospinning enables the fabrication of orodispersible films that are acceptable to adult human participants in terms of handling and mouthfeel and suggests that the potential for clinical translation of such formulations is high.

Development of ferulic acid/cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanofibers for fast-dissolving drug delivery system

Production of electrospun nanofibrous mats of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with the incorporation of drug molecules would enable promising designing of fast dissolving delivery systems (FDDS) for oral treatments. Here, the single-step electrospinning technique has been applied to prepare cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanofibrous mats (CD-IC NM) of ferulic acid from complete aqueous systems without using any polymeric matrix. The free-standing ferulic acid/CD-IC NM have been electrospun from two different modified cyclodextrin derivatives of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-gamma-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD). The initial content of ferulic acid (1/1 ferulic acid/CD (molar ratio) and ~11% (w/w)) has been protected in case of both ferulic acid/CD-IC NM and so the electrospun nanofibrous mats have been fabricated by the ~100% loading efficiency. It has been detected from the in vitro release and disintegration tests that, the amorphous state of ferulic acid based on inclusion complex formation, and the highly porous feature and high surface area of nanofibrous mats have ensured the fast dissolution/release of ferulic acid and disintegration of nanofibrous mats into the liquid medium and artificial saliva. Herein, HP-γ-CD has formed inclusion complexes with ferulic acid more favorably than HP-β-CD and this has leaded to the existence of some un-complexed ferulic acid crystals in ferulic acid/HP-β-CD-IC NM while, ferulic acid has been completely complexed and is in amorphous state in ferulic acid/HP-γ-CD-IC NM. Furthermore, the thermal stability of ferulic acid has been enhanced as an inclusion complexation aid observed by the shift of thermal degradation temperature of ferulic acid from the range of ~120-200 °C to ~140-280 °C.

One-step preparation of ibuprofen fast- and sustained-release formulation by electrospinning with improved efficacy and reduced side effect

In this study, we developed a one-step method to prepare ibuprofen fast- and sustained-release complex preparation. It was based on a double jets electrospinning process. Ibuprofen, a poorly water-soluble drug, was electrospun into fibers with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose by two jets, respectively. The complex preparation had an enough initial dose come from fast-release part and a maintenance dose come from sustained-release part. Through the study of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was confirmed that ibuprofen was highly dispersed in nanofibers (NFs) in amorphous state. Because one line of NFs was very thin and could only extend along two directions, it was difficult for ibuprofen to transform from amorphous to crystal in this kind of approximate one-dimensional structure. Additionally, it was confirmed by animal experiment that the complex preparation also had a benefit to reduce gastric irritation that usually caused by traditional oral ibuprofen preparation. Therefore, the method developed in this study was a convenient and good-quality approach for ibuprofen pain-alleviating preparation.

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.