Work

Encapsulation of a drug into electrospun fibers spun from water soluble polymers to control solubility and release

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Electrospun fibers prepared from water-soluble polymers (PVP, PVA, and HPMC) were loaded with pregabalin, a BCS I drug, to address its fast release and adverse effects. The drug dissolved partially (1.8-2.8 wt%) in the polymers, with excess pregabalin in crystalline form within the fibers. The solubility of the drug varied with the pH of the dissolution medium. Most of the drug encapsulated into the fibers during electrospinning, but some was lost due to technical reasons. PVP showed no impact on drug release, offering no benefit as a carrier. However, PVA-based fibers exhibited considerably slower release than the dissolution rate of the neat drug and also the release rate from fibers prepared from the other polymers. This indicates the potential of PVA for using it with pregabalin in practical drug formulations with improved release properties. The pH of the dissolution medium influenced solubility and release rate for specific polymers. Overall, the study highlights the importance of polymer selection and pH control in optimizing the release profile of pregabalin in enhanced drug delivery.

Source: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38935

Authors: Lan Yi, Lemeng Shi, János Móczó, Béla Pukánszky

Institutions: Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Electrospun Nanofibers in Biomedical Applications

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,100