Application and Development of Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Nanofiber scaffolds have gained significant attention in the field of bone tissue engineering. Electrospinning, a straightforward and efficient technique for producing nanofibers, has been extensively researched. When used in bone tissue engineering scaffolds, electrospun nanofibers with suitable surface properties promote new bone tissue growth and enhance cell adhesion. Recent advancements in electrospinning technology have provided innovative approaches for scaffold fabrication in bone tissue engineering. This review comprehensively examines the utilization of electrospun nanofibers in bone tissue engineering scaffolds and evaluates the relevant literature. The review begins by presenting the fundamental principles and methodologies of electrospinning. It then discusses various materials used in the production of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, including natural and synthetic polymers, as well as certain inorganic materials. The challenges associated with these materials are also described. The review focuses on novel electrospinning techniques for scaffold construction in bone tissue engineering, such as multilayer nanofibers, multifluid electrospinning, and the integration of electrospinning with other methods. Recent advancements in electrospinning technology have enabled the fabrication of precisely aligned nanofiber scaffolds with nanoscale architectures. These innovative methods also facilitate the fabrication of biomimetic structures, wherein bioactive substances can be incorporated and released in a controlled manner for drug delivery purposes. Moreover, they address issues encountered with traditional electrospun nanofibers, such as mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility. Consequently, the development and implementation of novel electrospinning technologies have revolutionized scaffold fabrication for bone tissue engineering.

A green and facile direct ink writing technique for preparation calibration standards in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a powerful tool for microanalysis of solid materials. Nevertheless, one limitation of the method is the lack of well-characterized homogeneous reference materials (RMs), such as BaF2 crystal and BaCO3 ceramics samples, making direct quantification difficult. This work presents a novel Direct Ink Writing (DIW) method to produce RMs for microanalysis. The Mg, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Y, Mo, Pr, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu solutions were gravimetrically doped into BaCO3 by mixing with the dispersant and then cured with DIW techniques. (94) RESULTS: BaCO3 powder was combined with a dopant analyte to produce a printable slurry, aided by the use of a dispersant and cellulose. The resulting mixture was then printed using DIW equipment. The retention rates of the doped elements were investigated by internal and external standard method, and the results showed that they were completely dispersed in the solid material. After further optimization, it was found that there was no significant heterogeneity among the printed samples. LA-ICP-MS was used to analyze printed samples, to evaluate micro-scale homogeneity. The mass concentration of the doped element was determined by ICP-MS, verify its move closer to nominal value. Compared with the traditional reference materials preparation methods, the DIW technology greatly increased the sample homogeneity and the accuracy of the desired concentration. (132) SIGNIFICANCE: As far as we know, there are few reports on the application of DIW method to prepare calibration standards. In brief, it is proved that the proposed method of preparing calibration standard by DIW technique to quantify analytes is valid and robust. This procedure provides great potential for LA-ICP-MS in-situ analysis in the field of well-prepared products, such as ceramic and crystal samples.(63).

Recent progress of electrospun nanofibers as burning dressings.

Burns are a global public health problem, which brings great challenges to public health and the economy. Severe burns often lead to systemic infection, shock, multiple organ failure, and even death. With the increasing demand for the therapeutic effect of burn wounds, traditional dressings have been unable to meet people's needs due to their single function and many side effects. In this context, electrospinning shows a great prospect on the way to open up advanced wound dressings that promote wound repairing and prevent infection. With its large specific surface area, high porosity, and similar to natural extracellular matrix (ECM), electrospun nanofibers can load drugs and accelerate wound healing. It provides a promising solution for the treatment and management of burn wounds. This review article introduces the concept of burn and the types of electrospun nanofibers, then summarizes the polymers used in electrospun nanofiber dressings. Finally, the drugs (plant extracts, small molecule drugs and nanoparticles) loaded with electrospun burn dressings are summarized. Some promising aspects for developing commercial electrospun burn dressings are proposed.

Integrated Janus nanofibers enabled by a co-shell solvent for enhancing icariin delivery efficiency.

During the past several decades, nanostructures have played their increasing influences on the developments of novel nano drug delivery systems, among which, double-chamber Janus nanostructure is a popular one. In this study, a new tri-channel spinneret was developed, in which two parallel metal capillaries were nested into another metal capillary in a core-shell manner. A tri-fluid electrospinning was conducted with a solvent mixture as the shell working fluid for ensuring the formation of an integrated Janus nanostructure. The scanning electronic microscopic results demonstrated that the resultant nanofibers had a linear morphology and two distinct compartments within them, as indicated by the image of a cross-section. Fourier Transformation Infra-Red spectra and X-Ray Diffraction patterns verified that the loaded poorly water-soluble drug, i.e. icariin, presented in the Janus medicated nanofibers in an amorphous state, which should be attributed to the favorable secondary interactions between icariin and the two soluble polymeric matrices, i.e. hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The in vitro dissolution tests revealed that icariin, when encapsulated within the Janus nanofibers, exhibited complete release within a duration of 5 min, which was over 11 times faster compared to the raw drug particles. Furthermore, the ex vivo permeation tests demonstrated that the permeation rate of icariin was 16.2 times higher than that of the drug powders. This improvement was attributed to both the rapid dissolution of the drug and the pre-release of the trans-membrane enhancer sodium lauryl sulfate from the PVP side of the nanofibers. Mechanisms for microformation, drug release, and permeation were proposed. Based on the methodologies outlined in this study, numerous novel Janus nanostructure-based nano drug delivery systems can be developed for poorly water-soluble drugs in the future.

Electrospun medicated gelatin/polycaprolactone Janus fibers for photothermal-chem combined therapy of liver cancer.

Liver cancer is a common cancer in the world, and core-shell nanoparticles as a commonly used combination therapy for local tumor ablation, have many shortcomings. In this study, photothermal Janus nanofibers were prepared using a electrospinning technology for tumor treatment, and the products were characterized and in vitro photothermal performance investigated. The micromorphology analysis showed that the photothermic agent CuS and electrospun fibers (loaded with CuS and anticancer drug dihydromyricetin) were successfully prepared, with diameters of 11.58 ± 0.27 µm and 1.19 ± 0.01 µm, respectively. Water contact angle and tensile test indicated that the fiber membranes has a certain hydrophilic adhesion and excellent mechanical strength. The fiber membranes has 808 nm near-infrared laser photothermal heating performance and photothermal stability, and it also has a strong response to the laser that penetrates biological tissue. In addition, in vitro cell culture and in vivo implantation study showed that the fiber membranes could kill HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells combined with photothermal-chem and could be enriched in the implantation area, respectively. Hence, the Janus membranes may be a potential cancer treatment material.

Preparation and Investigation of Cellulose Acetate/Gelatin Janus Nanofiber Wound Dressings Loaded with Zinc Oxide or Curcumin for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity.

The skin, as the largest organ, serves as a protective barrier against external stimuli. However, when the skin is injured, wound healing becomes a complex process influenced by physiological conditions, bacterial infections, and inflammation. To improve the process of wound healing, a variety of wound dressings with antibacterial qualities have been created. Electrospun nanofibers have gained significant attention in wound dressing research due to their large specific surface area and unique structure. One interesting method for creating Janus-structured nanofibers is side-by-side electrospinning. This work used side-by-side electrospinning to make cellulose acetate/gelatin Janus nanofibers. Curcumin and zinc oxide nanoparticles were added to these nanofibers. We studied Janus nanofibers' physicochemical characteristics and abilities to regulate small-molecule medication release. Janus nanofibers coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles and curcumin were also tested for antibacterial activity. The Janus nanofibers with specified physicochemical characteristics were successfully fabricated. Nanofibers released small-molecule medicines in a controlled manner. Additionally, the Janus nanofibers loaded with curcumin exhibited excellent antibacterial capabilities. This research contributes to the development of advanced wound dressings for promoting wound healing and combating bacterial infections.

Engineered shapes using electrohydrodynamic atomization for an improved drug delivery.

The shapes of micro- and nano-products have profound influences on their functional performances, which has not received sufficient attention during the past several decades. Electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) techniques, mainly include electrospinning and electrospraying, are facile in manipulate their products' shapes. In this review, the shapes generated using EHDA for modifying drug release profiles are reviewed. These shapes include linear nanofibers, round micro-/nano-particles, and beads-on-a-string hybrids. They can be further divided into different kinds of sub-shapes, and can be explored for providing the desired pulsatile release, sustained release, biphasic release, delayed release, and pH-sensitive release. Additionally, the shapes resulted from the organizations of electrospun nanofibers are discussed for drug delivery, and the shapes and inner structures can be considered together for developing novel drug delivery systems. In future, the shapes and the related shape-performance relationships at nanoscale, besides the size, inner structure and the related structure-performance relationships, would further play their important roles in promoting the further developments of drug delivery field. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.

Electrosprayed Eudragit RL100 nanoparticles with Janus polyvinylpyrrolidone patches for multiphase release of paracetamol.

Advanced nanotechniques and the corresponding complex nanostructures they produce represent some of the most powerful tools for developing novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this study, a side-by-side electrospraying process was developed for creating double-chamber nanoparticles in which Janus soluble polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) patches were added to the sides of Eudragit RL100 (RL100) particles. Both sides were loaded with the poorly water-soluble drug paracetamol (PAR). Scanning electron microscope results demonstrated that the electrosprayed nanoparticles had an integrated Janus nanostructure. Combined with observations of the working processes, the microformation mechanism for creating the Janus PVP patches was proposed. XRD, DSC, and ATR-FTIR experiments verified that the PAR drug was present in the Janus particles in an amorphous state due to its fine compatibility with the polymeric matrices. In vitro dissolution tests verified that the Janus nanoparticles were able to provide a typical biphasic drug release profile, with the PVP patches providing 43.8 ± 5.4% drug release in the first phase in a pulsatile manner. In vivo animal experiments indicated that the Janus particles, on one hand, could provide a faster therapeutic effect than the electrosprayed sustained-release RL100 nanoparticles. On the other hand, they could maintain a therapeutic blood drug concentration for a longer period. The controlled release mechanism of the drug was proposed. The protocols reported here pioneer a new process-structure-performance relationship for developing Janus-structure-based advanced nano-DDSs.

Electrospun Fenoprofen/Polycaprolactone @ Tranexamic Acid/Hydroxyapatite Nanofibers as Orthopedic Hemostasis Dressings.

Dressings with multiple functional performances (such as hemostasis, promoting regeneration, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory effects) are highly desired in orthopedic surgery. Herein, several new kinds of medicated nanofibers loaded with several active ingredients for providing multiple functions were prepared using the modified coaxial electrospinning processes. With an electrospinnable solution composed of polycaprolactone and fenoprofen as the core working fluid, several different types of unspinnable fluids (including pure solvent, nanosuspension containing tranexamic acid and hydroxyapatite, and dilute polymeric solution comprising tranexamic acid, hydroxyapatite, and polyvinylpyrrolidone) were explored to implement the modified coaxial processes for creating the multifunctional nanofibers. Their morphologies and inner structures were assessed through scanning and transmission electron microscopes, which all showed a linear format without the discerned beads or spindles and a diameter smaller than 1.0 µm, and some of them had incomplete core-shell nanostructures, represented by the symbol @. Additionally, strange details about the sheaths' topographies were observed, which included cracks, adhesions, and embedded nanoparticles. XRD and FTIR verified that the drugs tranexamic acid and fenoprofen presented in the nanofibers in an amorphous state, which resulted from the fine compatibility among the involved components. All the prepared samples were demonstrated to have a fine hydrophilic property and exhibited a lower water contact angle smaller than 40° in 300 ms. In vitro dissolution tests indicated that fenoprofen was released in a sustained manner over 6 h through a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism. Hemostatic tests verified that the intentional distribution of tranexamic acid on the shell sections was able to endow a rapid hemostatic effect within 60 s.

Electrospun multi-chamber core-shell nanofibers and their controlled release behaviors: A review.

Core-shell structure is a concentric circle structure found in nature. The rapid development of electrospinning technology provides more approaches for the production of core-shell nanofibers. The nanoscale effects and expansive specific surface area of core-shell nanofibers can facilitate the dissolution of drugs. By employing ingenious structural designs and judicious polymer selection, specialized nanofiber drug delivery systems can be prepared to achieve controlled drug release. The synergistic combination of core-shell structure and materials exhibits a strong strategy for enhancing the drug utilization efficiency and customizing the release profile of drugs. Consequently, multi-chamber core-shell nanofibers hold great promise for highly efficient disease treatment. However, little attention concentration is focused on the effect of multi-chamber core-shell nanofibers on controlled release of drugs. In this review, we introduced different fabrication techniques for multi-chamber core-shell nanostructures, including advanced electrospinning technologies and surface functionalization. Subsequently, we reviewed the different controlled drug release behaviors of multi-chamber core-shell nanofibers and their potential needs for disease treatment. The comprehensive elucidation of controlled release behaviors based on electrospun multi-chamber core-shell nanostructures could inspire the exploration of novel controlled delivery systems. Furthermore, once these fibers with customizable drug release profiles move toward industrial mass production, they will potentially promote the development of pharmacy and the treatment of various diseases. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.

Coaxial Electrospun Porous Core-Shell Nanofibrous Membranes for Photodegradation of Organic Dyes.

In this study, a series of AgCl/ZnO-loaded nanofibrous membranes were prepared using coaxial electrospinning. Their physical and chemical characteristics were evaluated by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, IR, PL, and UV-visible spectrometer, and the photocatalytic experiments using methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant. The formation of AgCl/ZnO heterojunction and the structure of core-shell nanofibers with porous shell layer were confirmed. AgCl/ZnO photocatalysts were also effectively loaded onto the surfaces of the porous core-shell nanofibers. The results of photocatalytic experiments revealed that the AgCl/ZnO (MAgCl:MZnO = 5:5)-loaded nanofibrous membrane achieved a degradation efficiency of 98% in just 70 min and maintained a photocatalytic efficiency exceeding 95% over the first five experimental cycles, which successfully addressed the issues of photocatalytic efficiency loss during the photodegradation of MB with AgCl/ZnO nanoparticles as photocatalyst. The photodegradation mechanism was also researched and proposed.

Enhancing diabetic wound healing: advances in electrospun scaffolds from pathogenesis to therapeutic applications.

Diabetic wounds are a significant subset of chronic wounds characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). They are also associated with impaired angiogenesis, persistent infection, and a high likelihood of hospitalization, leading to a substantial economic burden for patients. In severe cases, amputation or even mortality may occur. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common complication of diabetes, with up to 25% of diabetic patients being at risk of developing foot ulcers over their lifetime, and more than 70% ultimately requiring amputation. Electrospun scaffolds exhibit a structural similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM), promoting the adhesion, growth, and migration of fibroblasts, thereby facilitating the formation of new skin tissue at the wound site. The composition and size of electrospun scaffolds can be easily adjusted, enabling controlled drug release through fiber structure modifications. The porous nature of these scaffolds facilitates gas exchange and the absorption of wound exudate. Furthermore, the fiber surface can be readily modified to impart specific functionalities, making electrospinning nanofiber scaffolds highly promising for the treatment of diabetic wounds. This article provides a concise overview of the healing process in normal wounds and the pathological mechanisms underlying diabetic wounds, including complications such as diabetic foot ulcers. It also explores the advantages of electrospinning nanofiber scaffolds in diabetic wound treatment. Additionally, it summarizes findings from various studies on the use of different types of nanofiber scaffolds for diabetic wounds and reviews methods of drug loading onto nanofiber scaffolds. These advancements broaden the horizon for effectively treating diabetic wounds.

Silver oxide decorated urchin-like microporous organic polymer composites as versatile antibacterial organic coating materials.

Microporous organic polymers (MOPs) and metal oxide hybrid composites are considered valuable coating materials because of their versatility derived from the synergistic combination of MOPs' inherent dispersibility and the distinctive properties of metal oxides. In this study, we present the synthesis of sea-urchin-like MOPs hybridised with silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O NPs) to fabricate antibacterial composites suitable for potential antibacterial coating applications. Ag2O NP-decorated urchin-like MOPs (Ag2O@UMOPs) were synthesised by employing a combination of two methods: a one-pot Lewis acid-base interaction-mediated self-assembly and a straightforward impregnation process. The as-prepared Ag2O@UMOPs demonstrated high antibacterial efficacy against both E. coli (G-) and S. aureus (G+). The antibacterial mechanism of Ag2O@UMOPs mainly involved the synergistic effects of accumulation of Ag2O@UMOPs, the release of Ag+ ions, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. The exceptional processability and biosafety of Ag2O@UMOPs make them ideal organic coating materials for convenient application on various substrates. These remarkable features of Ag2O@UMOPs provide an effective platform for potential antibacterial applications in biological sciences.

Research Advances in Superabsorbent Polymers.

Superabsorbent polymers are new functional polymeric materials that can absorb and retain liquids thousands of times their masses. This paper reviews the synthesis and modification methods of different superabsorbent polymers, summarizes the processing methods for different forms of superabsorbent polymers, and organizes the applications and research progress of superabsorbent polymers in industrial, agricultural, and biomedical industries. Synthetic polymers like polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, and polyvinyl alcohol exhibit superior water absorption properties compared to natural polymers such as cellulose, chitosan, and starch, but they also do not degrade easily. Consequently, it is often necessary to modify synthetic polymers or graft superabsorbent functional groups onto natural polymers, and then crosslink them to balance the properties of material. Compared to the widely used superabsorbent nanoparticles, research on superabsorbent fibers and gels is on the rise, and they are particularly notable in biomedical fields like drug delivery, wound dressing, and tissue engineering.

Application of Electrospun Drug-Loaded Nanofibers in Cancer Therapy.

In the 21st century, chemotherapy stands as a primary treatment method for prevalent diseases, yet drug resistance remains a pressing challenge. Utilizing electrospinning to support chemotherapy drugs offers sustained and controlled release methods in contrast to oral and implantable drug delivery modes, which enable localized treatment of distinct tumor types. Moreover, the core-sheath structure in electrospinning bears advantages in dual-drug loading: the core and sheath layers can carry different drugs, facilitating collaborative treatment to counter chemotherapy drug resistance. This approach minimizes patient discomfort associated with multiple-drug administration. Electrospun fibers not only transport drugs but can also integrate metal particles and targeted compounds, enabling combinations of chemotherapy with magnetic and heat therapies for comprehensive cancer treatment. This review delves into electrospinning preparation techniques and drug delivery methods tailored to various cancers, foreseeing their promising roles in cancer treatment.

Advanced postoperative tissue antiadhesive membranes enabled with electrospun nanofibers.

Tissue adhesion is one of the most common postoperative complications, which is frequently accompanied by inflammation, pain, and even dyskinesia, significantly reducing the quality of life of patients. Thus, to prevent the formation of tissue adhesions, various strategies have been explored. Among these methods, placing anti-adhesion membranes over the injured site to separate the wound from surrounding tissues is a simple and prominently favored method. Recently, electrospun nanofibers have been the most frequently investigated antiadhesive membranes due to their tunable porous structure and high porosities. They not only can act as an essential barrier and functional carrier system but also allow for high permeability and nutrient transport, showing great potential for preventing tissue adhesion. Herein, we provide a short review of the most recent applications of electrospun nanofibrous antiadhesive membranes in tendons, the abdominal cavity, dural sac, pericardium, and meninges. Firstly, each section highlights the most representative examples and they are sorted based on the latest progress of related research. Moreover, the design principles, preparation strategies, overall performances, and existing problems are highlighted and evaluated. Finally, the current challenges and several future ways to develop electrospun nanofibrous antiadhesive membranes are proposed. The systematic discussion and proposed directions can shed light on ideas and guide the reasonable design of electrospun nanofibrous membranes, contributing to the development of exceptional tissue anti-adhesive materials in the foreseeable future.

Tri-Layer Core-Shell Fibers from Coaxial Electrospinning for a Modified Release of Metronidazole.

Polymers are the backbone of drug delivery. Electrospinning has greatly enriched the strategies that have been explored for developing novel drug delivery systems using polymers during the past two decades. In this study, four different kinds of polymers, i.e., the water-soluble polymer poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), the insoluble polymer poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), the insoluble polymer Eudragit RL100 (ERL100) and the pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit S100 (ES100) were successfully converted into types of tri-layer tri-polymer core-shell fibers through bi-fluid coaxial electrospinning. During the coaxial process, the model drug metronidazole (MTD) was loaded into the shell working fluid, which was an emulsion. The micro-formation mechanism of the tri-layer core-shell fibers from the coaxial emulsion electrospinning was proposed. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope evaluations verified the linear morphology of the resultant fibers and their obvious tri-layer multiple-chamber structures. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that the drug MTD presented in the fibers in an amorphous state and was compatible with the three polymeric matrices. In vitro dissolution tests verified that the three kinds of polymer could act in a synergistic manner for a prolonged sustained-release profile of MTD in the gut. The drug controlled-release mechanisms were suggested in detail. The protocols reported here pioneer a new route for creating a tri-layer core-shell structure from both aqueous and organic solvents, and a new strategy for developing advanced drug delivery systems with sophisticated drug controlled-release profiles.

A combined electrohydrodynamic atomization method for preparing nanofiber/microparticle hybrid medicines.

Bacterial prostatitis is a challenging condition to treat with traditional dosage forms. Physicians often prescribe a variety of dosage forms with different administration methods, which fail to provide an efficient and convenient mode of drug delivery. The aim of this work was to develop a new type of hybrid material incorporating both electrosprayed core-shell microparticles and electrospun nanofibers. A traditional Chinese medicine (Ningmitai, NMT) and a Western medicine (ciprofloxacin, CIP) were co-encapsulated within this material and were designed to be released in a separately controlled manner. Utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a hydrophilic filament-forming polymer and pH-sensitive Eudragit® S100 (ES100) as the particulate polymeric matrix, a combined electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) method comprising coaxial electrospraying and blending electrospinning, was used to create the hybrids in a single-step and straightforward manner. A series of characterization methods were conducted to analyze both the working process and its final products. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the EHDA hybrids comprised of both CIP-PVP nanofibers and NMT-ES100 core-shell microparticles. Multiple methods confirmed the rapid release of CIP and the sustained release of NMT. The antibacterial experiments indicated that the hybrids exhibited a more potent antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli dh5α and Bacillus subtilis Wb800 than either the separate nanofibers or microparticles. The amalgamation of fibrous nanomedicine and particulate micromedicine can expand the horizon of new types of medicines. The integration of electrospinning and coaxial electrospraying provides a straightforward approach to fabrication. By combining hydrophilic soluble polymers and pH-sensitive polymers in the hybrids, we can ensure the separate sequential controlled release of CIP and NMT for a potential synergistic and convenient therapy for bacterial prostatitis.

Electrosprayed Core (Cellulose Acetate)-Shell (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) Nanoparticles for Smart Acetaminophen Delivery.

Smart drug delivery, through which the drug molecules are delivered according to the requests of human biological rhythms or by maximizing drug therapeutic effects, is highly desired in pharmaceutics. Many biomacromolecules have been exploited for this application in the past few decades, both in industry and laboratories. Biphasic release, with an intentional pulsatile release and a following extended release stage, represents a typical smart drug delivery approach, which aims to provide fast therapeutic action and a long time period of effective blood drug concentration to the patients. In this study, based on the use of a well-known biomacromolecule, i.e., cellulose acetate (CA), as the drug (acetaminophen, ATP)-based sustained release carrier, a modified coaxial electrospraying process was developed to fabricate a new kind of core-shell nanoparticle. The nanoparticles were able to furnish a pulsatile release of ATP due to the shell polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The time cost for a release of 30% was 0.32 h, whereas the core-shell particles were able to provide a 30.84-h sustained release of the 90% loaded ATP. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope results verified in terms of their round surface morphologies and the obvious core-shell double-chamber structures. ATP presented in both the core and shell sections in an amorphous state owing to its fine compatibility with CA and PVP. The controlled release mechanisms of ATP were suggested. The disclosed biomacromolecule-based process-structure-performance relationship can shed light on how to develop new sorts of advanced nano drug delivery systems.

Electrosprayed Stearic-Acid-Coated Ethylcellulose Microparticles for an Improved Sustained Release of Anticancer Drug.

Sustained release is highly desired for "efficacious, safe and convenient" drug delivery, particularly for those anticancer drug molecules with toxicity. In this study, a modified coaxial electrospraying process was developed to coat a hydrophobic lipid, i.e., stearic acid (SA), on composites composed of the anticancer drug tamoxifen citrate (TC) and insoluble polymeric matrix ethylcellulose (EC). Compared with the electrosprayed TC-EC composite microparticles M1, the electrosprayed SA-coated hybrid microparticles M2 were able to provide an improved TC sustained-release profile. The 30% and 90% loaded drug sustained-release time periods were extended to 3.21 h and 19.43 h for M2, respectively, which were significantly longer than those provided by M1 (0.88 h and 9.98 h, respectively). The morphology, inner structure, physical state, and compatibility of the components of the particles M1 and M2 were disclosed through SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR. Based on the analyses, the drug sustained-release mechanism of multiple factors co-acting for microparticles M2 is suggested, which include the reasonable selections and organizations of lipid and polymeric excipient, the blank SA shell drug loading, the regularly round shape, and also the high density. The reported protocols pioneered a brand-new manner for developing sustained drug delivery hybrids through a combination of insoluble cellulose gels and lipid using modified coaxial electrospraying.