Eggshell MembraneBased Turmeric Extract Loaded Orally Disintegrating Films

Hybrid films loaded with 5-fluorouracil and Reglan for synergistic treatment of colon cancer via asynchronous dual-drug delivery

Combination therapy with oral administration of several active ingredients is a popular clinical treatment for cancer. However, the traditional method has poor convenience, less safety, and low efficiency for patients. The combination of traditional pharmaceutical techniques and advanced material conversion methods can provide new solutions to this issue. In this research, a new kind of hybrid film was created via coaxial electrospraying, followed by a casting process. The films were composed of Reglan and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded cellulose acetate (CA) core-shell particles in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) film matrix. Microscopic observations of these films demonstrated a solid cross section loaded with core-shell particles. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared tests verified that the Reglan and 5-FU loaded in the films showed amorphous states and fine compatibilities with the polymeric matrices, i.e., PVP and CA, respectively. In vitro dissolution tests indicated that the films were able to provide the desired asynchronous dual-drug delivery, fast release of Reglan, and sustained release of 5-FU. The controlled release mechanisms were shown to be an erosion mechanism for Reglan and a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism for 5-FU. The protocols reported herein pioneer a new approach for fabricating biomaterials loaded with multiple drugs, each with its own controlled release behavior, for synergistic cancer treatment.

Recent progress of electrospun nanofibers as burning dressings

Burns are a global public health problem, which brings great challenges to public health and the economy. Severe burns often lead to systemic infection, shock, multiple organ failure, and even death. With the increasing demand for the therapeutic effect of burn wounds, traditional dressings have been unable to meet people's needs due to their single function and many side effects. In this context, electrospinning shows a great prospect on the way to open up advanced wound dressings that promote wound repairing and prevent infection. With its large specific surface area, high porosity, and similar to natural extracellular matrix (ECM), electrospun nanofibers can load drugs and accelerate wound healing. It provides a promising solution for the treatment and management of burn wounds. This review article introduces the concept of burn and the types of electrospun nanofibers, then summarizes the polymers used in electrospun nanofiber dressings. Finally, the drugs (plant extracts, small molecule drugs and nanoparticles) loaded with electrospun burn dressings are summarized. Some promising aspects for developing commercial electrospun burn dressings are proposed.

A combined electrohydrodynamic atomization method for preparing nanofiber/microparticle hybrid medicines

Bacterial prostatitis is a challenging condition to treat with traditional dosage forms. Physicians often prescribe a variety of dosage forms with different administration methods, which fail to provide an efficient and convenient mode of drug delivery. The aim of this work was to develop a new type of hybrid material incorporating both electrosprayed core-shell microparticles and electrospun nanofibers. A traditional Chinese medicine (Ningmitai, NMT) and a Western medicine (ciprofloxacin, CIP) were co-encapsulated within this material and were designed to be released in a separately controlled manner. Utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a hydrophilic filament-forming polymer and pH-sensitive Eudragit® S100 (ES100) as the particulate polymeric matrix, a combined electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) method comprising coaxial electrospraying and blending electrospinning, was used to create the hybrids in a single-step and straightforward manner. A series of characterization methods were conducted to analyze both the working process and its final products. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the EHDA hybrids comprised of both CIP-PVP nanofibers and NMT-ES100 core-shell microparticles. Multiple methods confirmed the rapid release of CIP and the sustained release of NMT. The antibacterial experiments indicated that the hybrids exhibited a more potent antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli dh5α and Bacillus subtilis Wb800 than either the separate nanofibers or microparticles. The amalgamation of fibrous nanomedicine and particulate micromedicine can expand the horizon of new types of medicines. The integration of electrospinning and coaxial electrospraying provides a straightforward approach to fabrication. By combining hydrophilic soluble polymers and pH-sensitive polymers in the hybrids, we can ensure the separate sequential controlled release of CIP and NMT for a potential synergistic and convenient therapy for bacterial prostatitis.

Electrosprayed Core (Cellulose Acetate)-Shell (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) Nanoparticles for Smart Acetaminophen Delivery

Smart drug delivery, through which the drug molecules are delivered according to the requests of human biological rhythms or by maximizing drug therapeutic effects, is highly desired in pharmaceutics. Many biomacromolecules have been exploited for this application in the past few decades, both in industry and laboratories. Biphasic release, with an intentional pulsatile release and a following extended release stage, represents a typical smart drug delivery approach, which aims to provide fast therapeutic action and a long time period of effective blood drug concentration to the patients. In this study, based on the use of a well-known biomacromolecule, i.e., cellulose acetate (CA), as the drug (acetaminophen, ATP)-based sustained release carrier, a modified coaxial electrospraying process was developed to fabricate a new kind of core-shell nanoparticle. The nanoparticles were able to furnish a pulsatile release of ATP due to the shell polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The time cost for a release of 30% was 0.32 h, whereas the core-shell particles were able to provide a 30.84-h sustained release of the 90% loaded ATP. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope results verified in terms of their round surface morphologies and the obvious core-shell double-chamber structures. ATP presented in both the core and shell sections in an amorphous state owing to its fine compatibility with CA and PVP. The controlled release mechanisms of ATP were suggested. The disclosed biomacromolecule-based process-structure-performance relationship can shed light on how to develop new sorts of advanced nano drug delivery systems.

Integrating Chinese Herbs and Western Medicine for New Wound Dressings through Handheld Electrospinning

In this nanotechnology era, nanostructures play a crucial role in the investigation of novel functional nanomaterials. Complex nanostructures and their corresponding fabrication techniques provide powerful tools for the development of high-performance functional materials. In this study, advanced micro-nanomanufacturing technologies and composite micro-nanostructures were applied to the development of a new type of pharmaceutical formulation, aiming to achieve rapid hemostasis, pain relief, and antimicrobial properties. Briefly, an approach combining a electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique and reversed-phase solvent was employed to fabricate a novel beaded nanofiber structure (BNS), consisting of micrometer-sized particles distributed on a nanoscale fiber matrix. Firstly, Zein-loaded Yunnan Baiyao (YB) particles were prepared using the solution electrospraying process. Subsequently, these particles were suspended in a co-solvent solution containing ciprofloxacin (CIP) and hydrophilic polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and electrospun into hybrid structural microfibers using a handheld electrospinning device, forming the EHDA product E3. The fiber-beaded composite morphology of E3 was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the amorphous state of CIP in the BNS membrane due to the good compatibility between CIP and PVP. The rapid dissolution experiment revealed that E3 exhibits fast disintegration properties and promotes the dissolution of CIP. Moreover, in vitro drug release study demonstrated the complete release of CIP within 1 min. Antibacterial assays showed a significant reduction in the number of adhered bacteria on the BNS, indicating excellent antibacterial performance. Compared with the traditional YB powders consisting of Chinese herbs, the BNS showed a series of advantages for potential wound dressing. These advantages include an improved antibacterial effect, a sustained release of active ingredients from YB, and a convenient wound covering application, which were resulted from the integration of Chinese herbs and Western medicine. This study provides valuable insights for the development of novel multiscale functional micro-/nano-composite materials and pioneers the developments of new types of medicines from the combination of herbal medicines and Western medicines.

Dual-Step Controlled Release of Berberine Hydrochloride from the Trans-Scale Hybrids of Nanofibers and Microparticles

In this nano era, nanomaterials and nanostructures are popular in developing novel functional materials. However, the combinations of materials at micro and macro scales can open new routes for developing novel trans-scale products with improved or even new functional performances. In this work, a brand-new hybrid, containing both nanofibers and microparticles, was fabricated using a sequential electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) process. Firstly, the microparticles loaded with drug (berberine hydrochloride, BH) molecules in the cellulose acetate (CA) were fabricated using a solution electrospraying process. Later, these microparticles were suspended into a co-dissolved solution that contained BH and a hydrophilic polymer (polypyrrolidone, PVP) and were co-electrospun into the nanofiber/microparticle hybrids. The EHDA processes were recorded, and the resultant trans-scale products showed a typical hybrid topography, with microparticles distributed all over the nanofibers, which was demonstrated by SEM assessments. FTIR and XRD demonstrated that the components within the hybrids were presented in an amorphous state and had fine compatibility with each other. In vitro dissolution tests verified that the hybrids were able to provide the designed dual-step drug release profiles, a combination of the fast release step of BH from the hydrophilic PVP nanofibers through an erosion mechanism and the sustained release step of BH from the insoluble CA microparticles via a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism. The present protocols pave a new way for developing trans-scale functional materials.

Biphasic drug release from electrospun structures

INTRODUCTION

Biphasic release, as a special drug-modified release profile that combines immediate and sustained release, allows fast therapeutic action and retains blood drug concentration for long periods. Electrospun nanofibers, particularly those with complex nanostructures produced by multi-fluid electrospinning processes, are potential novel biphasic drug delivery systems (DDSs).

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the most recent developments in electrospinning and related structures. In this review, the role of electrospun nanostructures in biphasic drug release was comprehensively explored. These electrospun nanostructures include monolithic nanofibers obtained through single-fluid blending electrospinning, core-shell and Janus nanostructures prepared via bifluid electrospinning, three-compartment nanostructures obtained via trifluid electrospinning, nanofibrous assemblies obtained through the layer-by-layer deposition of nanofibers, and the combined structure of electrospun nanofiber mats with casting films. The strategies and mechanisms through which complex structures facilitate biphasic release were analyzed.

EXPERT OPINION

Electrospun structures can provide many strategies for the development of biphasic drug release DDSs. However, many issues such as the scale-up productions of complex nanostructures, the in vivo verification of the biphasic release effects, keeping pace with the developments of multi-fluid electrospinning, drawing support from the state-of-the-art pharmaceutical excipients, and the combination with traditional pharmaceutical methods need to be addressed for real applications.

Fast and convenient delivery of fluidextracts liquorice through electrospun core-shell nanohybrids

Introduction: As an interdisciplinary field, drug delivery relies on the developments of modern science and technology. Correspondingly, how to upgrade the traditional dosage forms for a more efficacious, safer, and convenient drug delivery poses a continuous challenge to researchers.

Methods, results and discussion: In this study, a proof-of-concept demonstration was conducted to convert a popular traditional liquid dosage form (a commercial oral compound solution prepared from an intermediate licorice fluidextract) into a solid dosage form. The oral commercial solution was successfully encapsulated into the core–shell nanohybrids, and the ethanol in the oral solution was removed. The SEM and TEM evaluations showed that the prepared nanofibers had linear morphologies without any discerned spindles or beads and an obvious core–shell nanostructure. The FTIR and XRD results verified that the active ingredients in the commercial solution were compatible with the polymeric matrices and were presented in the core section in an amorphous state. Three different types of methods were developed, and the fast dissolution of the electrospun core–shell nanofibers was verified.

Conclusion: Coaxial electrospinning can act as a nano pharmaceutical technique to upgrade the traditional oral solution into fast-dissolving solid drug delivery films to retain the advantages of the liquid dosage forms and the solid dosage forms.

Electrospun self-emulsifying core-shell nanofibers for effective delivery of paclitaxel

The poor solubility of numerous drugs pose a long-existing challenge to the researchers in the fields of pharmaceutics, bioengineering and biotechnology. Many "top-down" and "bottom-up" nano fabrication methods have been exploited to provide solutions for this issue. In this study, a combination strategy of top-down process (electrospinning) and bottom-up (self-emulsifying) was demonstrated to be useful for enhancing the dissolution of a typical poorly water-soluble anticancer model drug (paclitaxel, PTX). With polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K90) as the filament-forming matrix and drug carrier, polyoxyethylene castor oil (PCO) as emulsifier, and triglyceride (TG) as oil phase, Both a single-fluid blending process and a coaxial process were utilized to prepare medicated nanofibers. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM) results clearly demonstrated the morphology and inner structures of the nanofibers. The lipid nanoparticles of emulsions after self-emulsification were also assessed through TEM. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and in vitro dissolution tests demonstrated that the cores-shell nanofibers could provide a better self-emulsifying process int terms of a higher EE and a better drug sustained release profile. Meanwhile, an increase of sheath fluid rate could benefit an even better results, suggesting a clear process-property-performance relationship. The protocols reported here pave anew way for effective oral delivery of poorly water-soluble drug.

Recent Progress of Electrospun Herbal Medicine Nanofibers

Herbal medicine has a long history of medical efficacy with low toxicity, side effects and good biocompatibility. However, the bioavailability of the extract of raw herbs and bioactive compounds is poor because of their low water solubility. In order to overcome the solubility issues, electrospinning technology can offer a delivery alternative to resolve them. The electrospun fibers have the advantages of high specific surface area, high porosity, excellent mechanical strength and flexible structures. At the same time, various natural and synthetic polymer-bound fibers can mimic extracellular matrix applications in different medical fields. In this paper, the development of electrospinning technology and polymers used for incorporating herbal medicine into electrospun nanofibers are reviewed. Finally, the recent progress of the applications of these herbal medicine nanofibers in biomedical (drug delivery, wound dressing, tissue engineering) and food fields along with their future prospects is discussed.

Recent Progress in Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber-Based Wound Dressing

Bleeding control plays a very important role in worldwide healthcare, which also promotes research and development of wound dressings. The wound healing process involves four stages of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling, which is a complex process, and wound dressings play a huge role in it. Electrospinning technology is simple to operate. Electrospun nanofibers have a high specific surface area, high porosity, high oxygen permeability, and excellent mechanical properties, which show great utilization value in the manufacture of wound dressings. As one of the most popular reactive and functional synthetic polymers, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is frequently explored to create nanofibers for a wide variety of applications. In recent years, researchers have invested in the application of PAN nanofibers in wound dressings. Research on spun nanofibers is reviewed, and future development directions and prospects of electrospun PAN nanofibers for wound dressings are proposed.

A Review on Electrospun Poly(amino acid) Nanofibers and Their Applications of Hemostasis and Wound Healing

The timely and effective control and repair of wound bleeding is a key research issue all over the world. From traditional compression hemostasis to a variety of new hemostatic methods, people have a more comprehensive understanding of the hemostatic mechanism and the structure and function of different types of wound dressings. Electrospun nanofibers stand out with nano size, high specific surface area, higher porosity, and a variety of complex structures. They are high-quality materials that can effectively promote wound hemostasis and wound healing because they can imitate the structural characteristics of the skin extracellular matrix (ECM) and support cell adhesion and angiogenesis. At the same time, combined with amino acid polymers with good biocompatibility not only has high compatibility with the human body but can also be combined with a variety of drugs to further improve the effect of wound hemostatic dressing. This paper summarizes the application of different amino acid electrospun wound dressings, analyzes the characteristics of different materials in preparation and application, and looks forward to the development of directions of poly(amino acid) electrospun dressings in hemostasis.

Hybrid Films Prepared from a Combination of Electrospinning and Casting for Offering a Dual-Phase Drug Release

One of the most important trends in developments in electrospinning is to combine itself with traditional materials production and transformation methods to take advantage of the unique properties of nanofibers. In this research, the single-fluid blending electrospinning process was combined with the casting film method to fabricate a medicated double-layer hybrid to provide a dual-phase drug controlled release profile, with ibuprofen (IBU) as a common model of a poorly water-soluble drug and ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K60 as the polymeric excipients. Electrospun medicated IBU-PVP nanofibers (F7), casting IBU-EC films (F8) and the double-layer hybrid films (DHFs, F9) with one layer of electrospun nanofibers containing IBU and PVP and the other layer of casting films containing IBU, EC and PVP, were prepared successfully. The SEM assessments demonstrated that F7 were in linear morphologies without beads or spindles, F8 were solid films, and F9 were composed of one porous fibrous layer and one solid layer. XRD and FTIR results verified that both EC and PVP were compatible with IBU. In vitro dissolution tests indicated that F7 were able to provide a pulsatile IBU release, F8 offered a typical drug sustained release, whereas F9 were able to exhibit a dual-phase controlled release with 40.3 ± 5.1% in the first phase for a pulsatile manner and the residues were released in an extended manner in the second phase. The DHFs from a combination of electrospinning and the casting method pave a new way for developing novel functional materials.