RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preparation of sustained release drug-loaded nanofibers by using a modified coaxial electrospinning process, in which only solvent is exploited as sheath fluid. METHODS: Ethanol was used as sheath fluid and ethyl cellulose (EC) and ferulic acid (FA) were taken as filament-forming matrix and active pharmaceutical ingredient, respectively. RESULTS: Drug-loaded EC nanofibers were smoothly and continuously generated without any clogging through the coaxial process. Field-emission scanning electron microscopic observations demonstrated that the nanofibers' diameters could be manipulated through adjusting the flow rate of sheath fluid. The composite nanofibers were in essential a molecular solid dispersion of EC and FA based on the hydrogen bonding between them, as verified by XRD and FTIR results. In vitro dissolution tests showed that FA in the nanofibers had a fine sustained release profile via a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism. CONCLUSION: The modified coaxial electrospinning with solvent as sheath fluid can be a useful tool for developing novel sustained release drug delivery systems.