PCL-based nanofibers containing ibuprofen/cyclodextrins nanocontainers: A potential candidate for drug delivery application

Abstract

Poor solubility and low dissolution rate of ibuprofen (IBU) in the aqueous gastro-intestinal fluids restrict its application, absorption, distribution, target organ delivery, and bioavailability. For improvement of aqueous solubility of IBU, supramolecular nanocontainers of IBU/cyclodextrin were prepared via formation of inclusion complex between ibuprofen and cyclodextrins (α-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin) at various conditions (at room temperature at 25℃ and under sonic energy). The formation of inclusion complex between IBU and cyclodextrins can be confirmed by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy study. FTIR of pure IBU and cyclodextrins is similar to the obtained complex, which indicated intactness of drug in the complex. The encapsulation of IBU in cyclodextrins cavity improved its solubility, phase solubility, and in vitro dissolution and also controlled its release which ensures the long-term delivery. Electro-spun nanofibers of poly-ɛ-caprolactone containing IBU/cyclodextrins is a promising method for controlled drug delivery electro-spun which is bead-free without any aggregation on the surface.