Preparation and Characterization of Porous Core-Shell Fibers for Slow Release of Tea Polyphenols

Abstract

This study focused on the fabrication, characterization, and release properties of electrospun tea polyphenol (TPP) loaded porous core-shell structured fibers. The morphology, structure and properties of the electrospun TPP loaded porous core-shell fibers were investigated by a combination of Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle (CA) measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), etc. In addition, the cumulative drug release rate of TPP loaded porous core-shell fibers was determined by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer, and the release mechanism was investigated using Fickian diffusion equation, which would provide the theoretical basis for future study. The results showed TPP loaded porous core-shell structured fibers were successfully prepared by coaxial electrospinning, and the porous structure of the core-shell fibers could further enlarge the specific surface area, enhance the hydrophobic properties, and improve the drug release properties.

Preparation, Characterization and Properties of Porous PLA/PEG/Curcumin Composite Nanofibers for Antibacterial Application

“…The presences of Cur in the PEG/PLA CNFs with the different weight ratios (PEG:PLA) were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as shown in Figure 2. The FTIR spectra of these PLA/PEG/Cur CNFs displayed characteristic absorption bands at 1754 cm −1 and 1087 cm −1 , which represented the backbone ester group of PLA [4], and also showed a CH 3 asymmetric bending peak at 1454 cm −1 , a C-O stretching peak at 1182 cm −1 and a O-H bending peak at 1047 cm −1 of PLA. In addition, the absorption peak at 1128 cm −1 could be attributed to C-O-C characteristic vibration of PEG [23].…”

“…It could be seen that after 240 h the cumulative release rates of Cur from the porous CNFs with varying Cur percentages from 1% to 5%, were 92.17%, 81.23%, 82.89%, 58.36%, and 57.62%, respectively, were higher than those from the according nonporous CNFs, which were 88.51%, 63.83%, 58.10%, 58.35% and 56.66%. This may have been due to the higher specific surface area of the porous nanofibers and the porous structure could promote the release of the drug [4]. In addition, the cumulative release rate of Cur from the CNFs with 1% Cur was highest, and when the Cur percentage was higher than 3%, the cumulative release rate of Cur was at a low level.…”

“…This meant that the porous structure of the CNFs could reduce the initial burst release and better control drug release. This could be explained using a modified Fickian diffusion equation, which is presented in our previous work [4]. According to the equation, the porous nanofibers had a longer diffusion path than the nonporous nanofibers, and as the diffusion path increased, the concentration gradient of the drug would become smaller.…”

“…The application of electrospun nanofibers can be improved by increasing the specific surface area and porosity of the nanofibers. Because of high porosity, high specific surface area and high surface activity, porous nanofibers have many existing and potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, electronic engineering, and so on [1,2,3,4,5].…”

Flexible Delivery Patch Systems based on Thermoresponsive Hydrogels and Submicronic Fiber Heaters

“…This behavior is driven by the swelling/shrinking processes which occur in the hydrogel when the temperature is changed, which makes it suitable for use in drug delivery systems. An important hydrogel feature for drug delivery systems is its morphology, as a great porosity will facilitate the drug solution’s absorption/release 14 . In the case of PNIPAM this parameter can be easily controlled by choosing suitable synthesis conditions 15 – 18 .…”