The Release Kinetic of Drug Encapsulated Poly(l-Lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) Core-Shell Nanofibers Fabricated by Emulsion Electrospinning

Core-shell nanofibers for biomedical applications have been successfully prepared by emulsion electrospinning, utilizing the model drug Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) water solution as the "aqueous phase" and hydrophobic polymer solution as the "organic phase." The morphology of nanofibers was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the core-shell structure was confirmed by inverted fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The improved hydrophilicity might be caused by the presence of the emulsifier Span 80 on the surface of the nanofibers. The mechanical properties study showed that core-shell nanofibers membranes were softer and more elastic than blended nanofibers. In vitro drug release study showed that the TCH could release continuously for 34 days. The release mechanism of the nanofibers followed Fickian diffusion at low drug efficiency, but drug diffusion was the best fit with the First-order kinetic model when increasing drug loading rates. Overall, emulsion core-shell nanofibers could be used as a promising drug reservoir for sustained and continuous drug release behaviors. Meanwhile, the study of drug release kinetics was used in conjunction with model drug properties to develop a wider range of nanofibers carriers and biomaterials.