Release of 5-FU loaded pectin/Fe3O4 from porous PBSA matrix under magnetic and electric fields

Abstract

In this work, the porous poly(butylene succinate co adipate) (PBSA) was used as the drug matrix for transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS). The porous PBSA matrices were fabricated via solvent casting and particulate leaching method using Tween20 as a pore generator, and the matrices were capable of absorbing the drug solution within 3 s prior to the release. The Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via co-precipitation method and successfully coated with pectin through the electrostatic attraction. The 5-fluorouracil, the model drug, was successfully loaded onto the pectin coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles through the hydrogen bonding. Under magnetic fields, the drug diffusion coefficient increased by the factors of 2 and 5 by the 157 and 247 mT permanent magnets, respectively, whereas the drug release duration was reduced. This was due to the magnetic attraction between the magnetic particles and the magnets. Under the combined electric voltage of 3 V and the magnetic flux of 157 mT, the drug diffusion coefficient increased and the release duration was reduced further, due to the combined driving forces between the magnetic attraction, the electrostatic repulsion of the negative charged pectin layer, and the electro-osmosis. The present work demonstrates the potentials and benefits of the porous matrices along with the combined magnetic and electric fields in the transdermal drug delivery.