Design and characterization of PNVCL‐based nanofibers and evaluation of their potential applications as scaffolds for surface drug delivery of hydrophobic drugs

Abstract

In this work, nanofiber scaffolds for surface drug delivery applications were obtained by electrospinning poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) and its blends with poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone). The process parameters to obtain smooth and beadless PNVCL fibers were optimized. The average fibers diameter was less than 1 μm, and it was determined by scanning electron microscopy analyses. Their affinity toward water was evaluated by measuring the contact angle with water. The ketoprofen release behavior from the fibers was analyzed using independent and model-dependent approaches. The low values of the release exponent (n < 0.5) obtained for 20 and 42 C, indicating a Fickian diffusion mechanism for all formulations. Dissolution efficiencies (DEs) revealed the effect of polymer composition, methodology used in the electrospinning process, and temperature on the release rate of ketoprofen. PNVCL/poly(Nvinylcaprolactam)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone)-based nanofibers showed greater ability to control the in vitro release of ketoprofen, in view of reduced kinetic constant and DE, making this material promising system for controlling release of hydrophobic drugs.

Development of scaffolds based in blends of poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) and poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam‐co‐butylacrylate) with poly(3‐hexylthiophene) for tissue engineering: Synthesis, processing, characterization, and biological assay

“…The fibers of the PNVCL have diameters values around 12.9 μm, with some junctions, brittle and with variations of the diameters across the fibers. Electrospinning of PNVCL has been reported in the literature with success with ethanol and water 68 . Thus, the appearance of these fibers probably can be related to its lower molar mass and also the behavior during electrospinning process of PNVCL/chloroform solution.…”

“…Electrospinning of PNVCL has been reported in the literature with success with ethanol and water. 68 Thus, the appearance of these fibers probably can be related to its lower molar mass and also the behavior during electrospinning process of PNVCL/chloroform solution. However, this solvent has been used successfully in the electrospinning process of P3HT with PMMA 61,62 and with PEO.…”

Structure and properties of nanoparticles: DES-lignin-g-PNVCL coated aspirin by self-assembly

“…N -Vinyl caprolactam (NVCL) is a common thermo-responsive monomer with the lowest critical solution temperature (LCST) of 30–40 °C. 7 Compared with N -isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) which is studied widely at present, PNVCL has the characteristics of non-ionicity, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility, and no small molecular amine is generated under hydrolysis, and its LCST can be regulated. 8 Lignin has the characteristics of thermal stability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity.…”

Hydrophilic drug release from electrospun membranes made out of thermo and pH-sensitive polymers

“…Electrospun fiber scaffolds are widely used in biomedical applications, especially in tissue engineering [1][2][3] [4], and delivery of pharmaceutical compounds [5][6] [7] [8]. Indeed, these scaffolds, can be obtained with a large variety of polymers, are flexible and consist of micro-to nano-size fibers [9] [10], therefore providing a large surface area.…”

“…Thermo-sensitive polymers undergo distinct water soluble/non-water-soluble phase transitions at a specific temperature: lower critical solution temperature (LCST), or upper critical solution temperature (UCST). Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) is one of these thermosensitive polymers with an LCST of 32 o C [14][15] [5]. Being a nontoxic polymer compared to other thermo-sensitive polymers such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm), PNVCL is a potential candidate for drug delivery systems [16][17] [18].…”