Untitled

Abstract

Cellulose acetate (CA) ultrafine hollow fibres containing model core protein (i.e., gelatin) were fabricated by coaxial electrospinning. Proper conditions to fabricate the core-shell fibres were investigated with respect to the solution properties (i.e., viscosity, electrical conductivity, surface tension, and interfacial tension) as well as feed rates of core and shell solutions. The core-shell coaxial structures and fibre morphology were examined by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. In addition, the release characteristics of the coaxial fibrous film were examined in phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4 at 37°C. The average diameter of the fibres was 392 ± 96 nm, which increased as the core solution feed rate increased. The release mechanism of the gelatin from the fibrous film was anomalous diffusion and exhibited a near zero-order release pattern with a release half-life of ∼7.4 days. The fibrous films immersed in the PBS for 20 days were still intact without bursting. The structure of hollow ultrafine fibres of CA (in form of fibrous film) is expected to hold potential for some proteinaceous pharmaceutical/food compounds sustained release in gastro-intestinal tract.

Coaxial electrospinning and release characteristics of cellulose acetate–gelatin blend encapsulating a model drug

“…As such, bursting release must be avoided, and the delivery vehicle should be designed to allow for controllable release. Unfortunately, several active compounds degrade in the GI tract because of the strong acidity of the gastric fluid and the presence of a number of proteases in the stomach . Therefore, several encapsulating materials and delivery systems for active compounds have been developed either to prevent or delay the degradation .…”

“…In particular, nanofibers have recently been reported as potential carriers and delivery vehicles for active compounds. This is because of their high surface‐to‐volume and surface‐to‐weight ratios . In addition, ultrafine, nanoscale fibers have been reported to have properties that make them suitable for minimizing the bursting release of the encapsulated compound in the GI tract .…”

“…This is because of their high surface‐to‐volume and surface‐to‐weight ratios . In addition, ultrafine, nanoscale fibers have been reported to have properties that make them suitable for minimizing the bursting release of the encapsulated compound in the GI tract . However, this type of release is also affected by the type of polymer used as well as the environmental conditions (e.g., the pH, ionic strength, and concentration of the fluids encountered).…”

“…Although the ultrafine or nanoscale fibers are recognized as an excellent candidate material for use as a delivery vehicle of active compounds, the compounds embedded at the fiber surface are significantly degraded by harsh condition of the release medium. From this viewpoint, a core–shell structure is, thus, far more effective for encapsulation than typical structures . The effectiveness provides in terms of degradation protection capability and/or sustained release property.…”

A review on electrospun bio-based polymers for water treatment

“…Coaxial electrospinning offers an avenue to prepare nanofibres from the materials which are difficult or impossible to be electrospun into nanofibres using conventional electrospinning processes [129,132]. It can be used in various applications where the stability and control release of small molecules are of significance [133][134][135][136]. With appropriate choice of solvent and components a variety of functionalised hollow structures can be fabricated from blend to composite materials [134].…”