Preparation and characterization of naftifine-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate electrospun nanofibers

In this study, naftifine (a topical antifungal drug) loaded poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (SA) nanofibrous mats were prepared using the single-needle electrospinning technique. The produced nanofibers were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GTA) vapor. The morphology and diameter of the electrospun nanofibers were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images showed the smoothness of the nanofibers and indicated that the fiber diameter increased with crosslinking and drug loading. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images confirmed the uniform production of the scaffolds, and elemental mapping via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the uniform distribution of the drug within the nanofibers. An attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy study demonstrated that naftifine has sufficient secondary interactions with the polymer blend. The crosslinking treatment decreased the burst drug release effectively and the release mechanism followed Korsmeyer-Peppas Super Case-II transport. Overall, these findings suggest the potential use of naftifine-loaded PVA/SA nanofibers as a topical antifungal drug delivery system.

Amphotericin-B and vancomycin-loaded chitosan nanofiber for antifungal and antibacterial application

In the present study, a mucoadhesive non-woven fiber mat (d= 116 nm) was fabricated by the electrospinning method using chitosan (80% Wt), polyethylene oxide (10% Wt), cysteine (4% Wt) and drugs (6% Wt), respectively. In addition, a comparative study was conducted to define effect of drugs and mucoadhesive agent on the nanofiber formation. FTIR, SEM, DSC and DMA were used to investigate the chemical and physical properties of the nanofibers. In vitro release of the drugs was assessed over a 48-hour period by the total immersion method. Release data were fitted to kinetic models, including the zero-order, first-order, Higuchi matrix, and Hixson-Crowell. Zone inhibition investigations were used to describe the inhibition content of vancomycin and amphotericin B loaded in the mats. The SEM images displayed a slight decrease in the fiber diameter with adding drugs and mucoadhesive agents. FTIR spectra confirmed that any undesirable reaction between VAN-AMB and CS-PEO was not observed. DSC test recognized the uniform distribution of drugs in the polymeric bead of the fiber without any crystal form. The elasticity modulus of the nanofiber was in an acceptable range for oral mucosa (approximately 5 Mpa). The results indicated that biodegradable mucoadhesive nanofibrous membranes released high concentrations of VAN in the first 24 hours, but the AMB release was affected in more controlled phenomena

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Various Nanofibre Reinforced Bis-GMA/TEGDMA Based Dental Composite Resins / Evaluación de las propiedades mecánicas de varias resinas compuestas dentales basadas en Bis-GMA/TEGDMA reforzadas con nanofibras

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the mechanical properties of various mass fractions of Nylon 6 (N6), polymethyl-metacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinylidene-difluoride (PVDF) nanofibres reinforced bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) and tri-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) based dental composite resins and to evaluate the penetration characteristics of the nanofibres into the resin. Methods: Nylon 6, PMMA and PVDF nanofibres were produced using the electrospinning method. The morphologies of the fabricated nanofibres were evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nanofibres were placed into the resin matrix at different mass fractions (3%, 5% and 7%). The three-point bending test was applied to nanofibre-reinforced dental composite resins and neat resin specimens. The flexural strength (Fs), flexural modulus (EY) and work of fracture (WOF) of the groups were found. The analysis of variance was used for the statistical analysis of the acquired data. Tukey 's multiple test was performed to compare the Fs, EY and WOF means. Fractured surfaces of the samples were observed by SEM, and fracture morphologies were evaluated. Results: Polymethyl-metacrylate nanofibres dissolved in the matrix, and a polymer alloy took place in the matrix. Fibre pull-out and fibre bridging mechanisms were observed by SEM images of the N6 and PVDF nanofibre-reinforced dental composites. The produced nanofibres enhanced the mechanical properties of the dental composite resins. Conclusion: Fibre pull-out and fibre bridging mechanisms on the fractured surfaces of samples may play a key role in the reinforcement of dental composite resins. However, polymer alloy of PMMA nanofibres increased the mechanical properties of the resin matrix.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar las propiedades mecánicas de resinas compuestas dentales basadas en bisfenol A-diglicidildimetacrilato (Bis-GMA) y dimetacrilato trietilen-glicol (TEGDMA) reforzadas con nanofibras de fracciones de masa de Nylon 6 (N6), polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) y fluoruro de polivinilideno (PVDF), y evaluar las características de la penetración de las nanofibras en la resina. Métodos: Se produjeron nanofibras de Nylon 6, PMMA y PVDF utilizando el método de electrohilado (electrospinning). Las morfologías de las nanofibras fabricadas fueron evaluadas con un microscopio electrónico de barrido (MEB). Las nanofibras fueron introducidas en la matriz de resina en diferentes fracciones de masa (3%, 5% y 7%). La prueba de flexión de tres puntos fue aplicada a las resinas compuestas dentales reforzadas por nanofibras y a las muestras de resina pura. La resistencia a la flexión (Rf), el módulo de flexión (EY) y el trabajo de fractura (WOF) de los grupos fueron halladas. El análisis de varianza se usó para el análisis estadístico de los datos adquiridos. Se realizó la prueba de comparaciones múltiples de Tukey con el propósito de comparar las medidas de Rf, EY y WOF. Las superficies fracturadas de las muestras fueron observadas mediante un MEB, y se evaluaron las morfologías de fractura. Resultados: Las nanofibras de polimetilmetacrilato se disolvieron en la matriz, y tuvo lugar una aleación de polímeros en la matriz. Los mecanismos de desprendimiento de fibras y puenteo de fibras fueron observados mediante imágenes de MEB de los compuestos dentales reforzados con nanofibras de N6 y PVDF. Las nanofibras producidas realzaron las propiedades mecánicas de las resinas compuestas dentales. Conclusión: Los mecanismos de desprendimiento de fibras y puenteo de fibras en las superficies fracturadas de las muestras pueden desempeñar un papel clave en el reforzamiento de las resinas de los compuestos dentales. Sin embargo, la aleación polimérica de las nanofibras de PMMA aumentó las propiedades mecánicas de la matriz de resina.