Release characteristics of naproxen loaded electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane nanofibers

Abstract

Combination of biocompatibility, non-toxicity, toughness and functionality of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) has led their widespread use in medical applications [1-3]. Electrospinning of thermoplastic polyurethane nanofibers have been reported to have a potential use for the preparation of drug loaded non-biodegradable membranes for topical drug administration [4]. In the present study, ultra-fine fiber mats of TPU containing naproxen was successfully prepared by electrospinning from 8% (w/w) TPU solutions in dimethylformamid (DMF). The amount of naproxen in the solutions was 10 and 20 % based on the weight of TPU granules. The drug-loaded electrospun TPU fibers collection period was changed to 5, 10 and 20 h. The morphology of the 10 and 20% naproxen loaded electrospun TPU fiber mats was smooth and the average diameters of these fibers were 527 and 537 nm respectively. The release characteristics of the naproxen loaded TPU fiber mats were carried out by the total immersion method in the phosphate buffer solution at 37 oC. Collection period played a major role on the release rate of naproxen from electrospun TPU mats.