DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2016.v04i10.008

Pages: 827-831

Electrospinning is an efficient method to create biodegradable fibrous structures with promising characteristics that allow the entrapment of biomolecules and pharmaceuticals. Local release of drugs, while decreasing any side effects or toxicity, is still challenging in cardiovascular diseases. Hence, great attention is given to nano/ sub-micron fibers which are formulated by electrospinning, as drug delivery systems (DDSs). The main goal of this study was to formulate electrospun fibers and study their morphological and structural properties, as well as, the release kinetics of the embedded pharmaceutical agent. Dipyridamole (DIP), chitosan (CS), and polycaprolactone (PCL) were dissolved in 2, 2, 2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). DIP was selected as a model anti-coagulant agent that can be utilized in cardiovascular diseases to prevent blood clotting. The morphological properties of the fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fiber diameter was accessed using Image J (NIH). The encapsulation efficiency and total cumulative release of DIP was studied by UV-vis spectrometry using standard curves of concentration versus absorbance. The fibers’ mechanical properties were investigated using a uniaxial tensile instrument. Submicron cylindrical fibers with increased mechanical properties and a biphasic release kinetics profile were created. Taken together, blend electrospun fibers exhibited some promising characteristics, highlighting their potential as DDS candidates.