Drug functionalized microbial polysaccharide based nanofibers as transdermal substitute.

In order to promote the natural healing process, drug-functionalized nanofibrous transdermal substitute was fabricated using gellan as chief polymer and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as supporting polymer via electrospinning technique. These fabricated nanofibers physiochemically mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) which supports the cell growth. For neo-tissue regeneration in a sterilized environment, amoxicillin (Amx) was entrapped within these nanofibers. Entrapment of Amx in the nanofibers was confirmed by FESEM, FTIR, XRD and TG analysis. In vitro cell culture studies revealed that the fabricated non-cytotoxic nanofibers promoted enhance cell adherence and proliferation of human keratinocytes. A preliminary in vivo study performed on rat model for full thickness skin excision wound demonstrated the prompt re-epithelialization in early phase and quicker collagen deposition in later phases of wound healing in case of Amx-functionalized gellan/PVA nanofibers. Data collectively confirmed the potential usage of gellan based electrospun nanofibers as transdermal substitute for faster skin restoration.

Ofloxacin loaded gellan/PVA nanofibers - Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of their gastroretentive/mucoadhesive drug delivery potential.

The purpose of this investigation is to formulate a gastroretentive sustained drug release system for ofloxacin to improve its retention time, pharmacological activity, bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in the stomach. Ofloxacin loaded gellan/poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were fabricated using a simple and versatile electrospinning technique. The fabricated nanofibers were evaluated for percent drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release in simulated gastric medium (pH1.2). The in vitro release profile and kinetic studies for drug indicated the sustained release of ofloxacin from the nanofibers through Fickian diffusion kinetics. The antimicrobial activity of the ofloxacin loaded nanofibers was assessed in comparison to the pure ofloxacin by means of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against microbial strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The optimized ofloxacin loaded gellan/PVA nanofibers displayed biphasic drug release profile with considerable mucoadhesion and gastric retention in the rat's gastric mucosal membrane. Data obtained, suggested that the developed gastroretentive drug delivery can potentially enhance the pharmacological activity of ofloxacin and can also serve as a viable alternative for improving drug bioavailability via oral route.