13 - Applications of core-shell nanofibers: Drug and biomolecules release and gene therapy

Abstract

Electrospinning is an effective technique to load many types of bioactive molecules. However, single electrospinning method cannot be effective for some molecules having high hydrophilicity or rapid degradation. Core-shell electrospinning is an approach that can be utilized to achieve controlled release of hydrophilic molecules and diminish the side effects by loading them in the core and creating an extra barrier (shell). Moreover, core-shell nanofibers can be used for the sustained release of hydrophobic drugs as well. Approach is of utmost importance for the delivery of proteins, growth factors, and genes by maintaning their activity. Producing more uniform nanofibers and nanofibers from unspinnable systems, and bitter taste masking are some of the other areas that core-shell electrospinning can be used. Finally, this approach is of significance for incorporating more than one molecule such as growth factor, protein, and drug at the same time. This chapter presents the application of core-shell nanofibers in the release of drugs (hydrophilic and hydrophobic,) and proteins (enzymes and growth factors) and gene therapy. In addition, the use of core-shell electrospinning in fast dissolving, triaxial, and stimuli (pH and temperature) responsive nanofibers and the delivery of multiple bioactive molecules were also explained.