Controllable and switchable drug delivery of ibuprofen from temperature responsive composite nanofibers

Abstract

Composited electrospun nanofibers made of temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) and biodegradable poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can be utilized for 'on-demand' and controlled drug release of ibuprofen without burst effect for potential pharmaceutical applications. Three types of nanofibers, PCL, pNIPAM and pNIPAM/ PCL composite NFs containing ibuprofen were fabricated using electrospinning techniques. Ibuprofen release rates from PCL NFs are not affected by the temperature in the range of 22-34°C (less than 10%). In contrast, the ibuprofen release rates from pNIPAM NFs are very sensitive to the change in temperature, which is five times higher at 22°C compared to 34°C. However, there is a serious burst effect at 22°C. Compared to other two types of NFs, pNIPAM/PCL composite NFs prepared demonstrated a variable and controlled release at both room and higher temperature, due to the extra protection from the hydrophobic poly (ε-caprolactone). The rate at 22°C is 75% faster compared to that at 34°C. This kind of composite design can provide a novel approach to suppress the burst effect in drug delivery systems for potential pharmaceutical applications.

Electrospun poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)/poly(caprolactone) fibers for the generation of anisotropic cell sheets

“…16–18 Due to PNIPAAm's thermo-sensitive nature, we hypothesized that fibers would need to contain enough PNIPAAm to enable detachment of cell sheets yet contain a sufficient amount of PCL to ensure proper cell attachment. While PNIPAAm has been successfully electrospun, 19 it has primarily been used for drug delivery 20,21 and as sacrificial fibers to negatively pattern hydrogels. 22 Only one previous report described the use of electrospun PNIPAAm fibers for cell culture, which required chemical modification of PNIPAAm to enable gelatin grafting.…”

Electrospun fibers loaded with ball‐milled poly(n‐isopropylacrylamide) microgel particles for smart delivery applications

“…However, in previous fiber designs, PNIPAM provided the mechanical foundation of fibers causing poor mechanical properties. [16][17][18][19][20] Mechanical stability is crucial for achieving a controlled release of nanoparticles, especially for long-term uses. For example, weak fiber structure causes undefined and unstable pore structure, which results in an uncontrolled release.…”

“…14,15 Therefore, the low mechanical stability of PNIPAM fibers can result in a burst release of loaded drugs, possible toxic effects of fast released polymer or loaded drug, and failure to deliver required mechanical support. [16][17][18][19][20] Cross-linking of the PNIPAM polymer network could stabilize the PNIPAM fibers. [21][22][23][24] However, cross-linking must be performed after the electrospinning process because it is not possible to inject a cross-linked polymer, which is solidified, through the spinneret.…”

Folic acid-containing nanofibers by simultaneous process for transdermal drug delivery: preparation, characterization, and in vitro biocompatibility

“…These NFs showed cumulative drug release reached to about 99 % after 24 h. In another study, Tran et al (2015) investigated release behavior of Ibuprofen from NFs. PCL, pNIPAM and pNIPAM/PCL were used as carriers of the drug for thermoresponsive transdermal delivery systems [21]. The release behavior of the bers signi cantly changed with 4-hour period depending on the temperature.…”