Nanoparticles vs. nanofibers: a comparison of two drug delivery systems on assessing drug release performance in vitro

Abstract

In this study, the different encapsulation methods involving emulsification and coaxial electrospinning were both utilized to fabricate a series of core/sheath composite, nanoparticles (NPs) and Nanofibers (NFs) separately, for drug delivery on potential biological and therapeutic applications. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was employed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient model for core; poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and methoxy poly(ethyleneglycol)-Poly lactic acid (mPEG-PLA) were selected as the encapsulation matrix for sheath. Attributed to the optimized fabrication procedures, the obtained NPs and NFs had the small average diameters and narrow size distributions with uniform structures and smooth surface morphologies. Based on the drug release profiles, both the NPs provided a burst release process followed by a drug diffusion manner, while for the NFs, the drug diffusion was the predominant factor in drug release. In particular, the mPEG-PLA NFs were fabricated with excellent hydrophilicity and highly neutralized surface resulting in a sustained release of BSA over 10 days. In addition, mPEG-PLA NFs also provided a better zero-order drug release profiles during the release time from 8 to 72 h, and a one-dimensional Fickian diffusion pattern during the whole BSA release period. A cytotoxicity study suggested that the two drug delivery systems were both safe to cells. In conclusions, the synergism of PEGylation with coaxial electrospinning may be an effective way to retard the release of drugs in a more sustained manner.

Mineralized nanofiber segments coupled with calcium-binding BMP-2 peptides for alveolar bone regeneration

“…A pertinent question is whether the drug carrier morphology matters in the context of tissue regeneration and which morphology is better, particles or fibers? To answer this question, FITC-tagged bovine serum albumin (BSA-FITC)-encapsulated nanoparticles and nanofibers of PLLA and m-PEG-PLLA were fabricated, respectively, and the release profiles indicated a burst release of BSA-FITC from the nanoparticles, while a slower sustained release was recorded over 10 days with nanofibers [31]. In another work, drug release and degradation profiles of electrospun poly( D,L -lactide) nanofibers could be modulated by varying the fiber diameter, thus suggesting nanofibers as alternative drug carriers compared to nanoparticles and thin films [32].…”

Morphology-Variable Aggregates Prepared from Cholesterol-Containing Amphiphilic Glycopolymers: Their Protein Recognition/Adsorption and Drug Delivery Applications

“…The results may due to their different molecular structure/morphology-dependent cellular interactions and drug release; the spherical complex aggregates have comparably smaller size and larger surface area than the aggregates with other morphologies, which may endow them with their higher cellular uptake and drug release manners. Likewise, Zheng et al [ 65 ] reported that drug release behavior was determined by the matrix morphologies and the interactions between drug and matrix, and the methoxy poly(ethyleneglycol)-poly(lactic acid) (mPEG-PLA) nanofibrous vectors showed BSA release slower than that of their nanoparticle counterparts with corresponding kinetic t 1/2 (time for 50% drug release) of 175.5 h and 11.76 h, respectively. Alternatively, methotrexate (MTX) decorated MPEG-PLA nanobacillus (MPEG-PLA-MTX NB) prepared by Hou et al [ 35 ] were shown to enhance cell internalization, accumulation, and tumor inhibition superiorly to that of the MPEG-PLA-MTX spherical nanoparticles in vivo.…”

Vorinostat-eluting poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) nanofiber-coated stent for inhibition of cholangiocarcinoma cells

“…39 Many investigators have evaluated nanofibers as a drug delivery device compared to nanoparticles. [39][40][41] For example, Shan et al reported that nanofibers of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)poly lactic acid copolymer provide better zero-order release kinetics of drugs, while burst drug release was observed from nanoparticles. 40 For these reasons, drug-eluting nanofibers have received attention from many research groups for application in DES.…”

“…[39][40][41] For example, Shan et al reported that nanofibers of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)poly lactic acid copolymer provide better zero-order release kinetics of drugs, while burst drug release was observed from nanoparticles. 40 For these reasons, drug-eluting nanofibers have received attention from many research groups for application in DES. 12,26,[36][37][38] Kim et al reported that a paclitaxel-eluting nanofiber-covered stent effectively inhibited colon cancer cells and extended stent patency.…”