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Hybrid Electrospun Polycaprolactone Mats Consisting of Nanofibers and Microbeads for Extended Release of Dexamethasone

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Abstract

Purpose

We designed electrospun polycaprolactone mats consisting of nanofibers and microbeads for extended delivery of dexamethasone.

Methods

Thin flexible dexamethasone loaded polycaprolactone mats were prepared by electrospinning. The solvents, polymer loading, voltage and tip-to-collector distance were varied to explore the effects on microstructure of the mats. The microstructure was determined by scanning electron microscope imaging; drug transport was measured and modeled, and X-ray diffraction was used to gauge the crystallinity. Drug transport and X-ray diffraction studies were also conducted with a spin cast film for comparison.

Results

Thin mats, about 10 μm in thickness, were prepared by electrospinning. By controlling the voltage and tip-to-collector distance, we achieved a hybrid structure comprising of nanorods (nanofibers) and microbeads. The release profiles were fitted to the diffusion equation to obtain the diffusivities in the spheres and the rods. The diffusivity in the electrospun nanofibers was significantly lower compared to the casted films due to increased crystallinity, which was estimated from X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrospun hybrid mats sustained drug release for the desired duration of a month, in spite of the small thickness of about 10 μm. By comparison, a ten-fold thicker cast film sustains release for about the same duration suggesting about 100-fold decrease in diffusivity in the electrospun mats due to increased crystallinity.

Conclusions

Electrospun polycaprolactone mats are optimal for achieving long release durations due to increased crystallinity. Designing a hybrid structure by controlling the electrospinning parameters can be a useful approach to increase the release durations.

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Abbreviations

DCM:

Dichloromethane

DMF:

Dimethylformamide

FWHM:

Full width at half maximum

PCL:

Polycaprolactone

SEM:

Scanning electron microscope

XRD:

X-ray diffraction

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611-6005, USA

    Kuan-Hui Hsu & Anuj Chauhan

  2. Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA

    Sheng-Po Fang & Yong-Kyu Yoon

  3. Material Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA

    Chang-Lin Lin & Yan-Shin Liao

Authors
  1. Kuan-Hui Hsu
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  2. Sheng-Po Fang
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  3. Chang-Lin Lin
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  4. Yan-Shin Liao
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  5. Yong-Kyu Yoon
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  6. Anuj Chauhan
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Correspondence to Anuj Chauhan.

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Hsu, KH., Fang, SP., Lin, CL. et al. Hybrid Electrospun Polycaprolactone Mats Consisting of Nanofibers and Microbeads for Extended Release of Dexamethasone. Pharm Res 33, 1509–1516 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-016-1894-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-016-1894-4

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