Preparation and characterization of naproxen-loaded electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane nanofibers as a drug delivery system.

The design and production of drug-loaded nanofiber based materials produced by electrospinning is of interest for use in innovative drug delivery systems. In the present study, ultra-fine fiber mats of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) containing naproxen (NAP) were successfully prepared by electrospinning from 8 and 10% (w/w) TPU solutions. The amount of NAP in the solutions was 10 and 20% based on the weight of TPU. The collection period of the drug-loaded electrospun TPU fibers was 5, 10 and 20h, and they were characterized by FTIR, DSC and TGA analysis. The morphology of the NAP-loaded electrospun TPU fiber mats was smooth, and the average diameters of these fibers varied between 523.66 and 723.50nm. The release characteristics of these fiber mats were determined by the total immersion method in the phosphate buffer solution at 37°C. It was observed that the collection period in terms of the mat thickness played a major role in the release rate of NAP from the electrospun TPU mats.

Effects of ß-cyclodextrin on selected properties of electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane nanofibres.

Cyclodextrins are one of the most promising materials for the development of products with advanced properties due to inclusion complex formation ability with a wide variety of substances. More specifically, incorporation of cyclodextrins into electrospun nanofibrous materials is considered as potential candidates for functional textile applications. This study examines the electrospinning of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibres including ß-cyclodextrin and investigates the effects of ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) on resultant fibre properties. TPU/CD nanofibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, TGA and DSC analysis. Additionally phenolphthalein absorption tests were applied. It was observed that the incorporation of ß-CD increased the mean fibre diameter and heterogeneity of nanofibrous membranes. The effects of ß-CD on the thermal properties of TPU membranes were shown. It was proven that ß-CD within TPU nanostructure could be able to form inclusion complexes. TPU/CD nanofibres are believed to have good potentials for functional textile applications.

Unusual localization of multiple myxoid (mucous) cysts of toes.

Myxoid cysts of fingers and toes are observed frequently on the lateral or dorsal aspects of the distal digits. They are usually solitary nodules. Both subungual localization and multiplicity are quite rare. We present a 74-year-old woman with digital subungual mucous cysts located on all toes.