Electrospun Core–Sheath Nanofibers with a Cellulose Acetate Coating for the Synergistic Release of Zinc Ion and Drugs

Abstract

Precisely modulating the synergistic release behavior of multiple bioactive substances has emerged as a formidable challenge in recent years. In this work, we successfully prepared core−sheath nanofibers, where a thin cellulose acetate (CA) coating enrobed the core. Curcumin (Cur) was encapsulated in the core layer as a model drug, while zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were loaded on the sheath layer. The prepared fiber exhibited a straight cylindrical morphology containing nanoparticles, and the distinct core−sheath nanostructure was demonstrated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were conducted to study the physical state and compatibility among CA, Cur, and ZnO. Drug release data indicated that core−sheath nanofibers were able to decelerate the rate of drug release, and the thickness of the sheath layer increased in the presence of ZnO particles. Most remarkably, these core−sheath nanofibers exhibited the remarkable ability to sustain the release of drugs and zinc ion (Zn 2+ ), the two-day synergistically release behavior leading to a significant increase in cell proliferation. This material preparation strategy for the synergistic and controlled release of two bioactive substances is instructive for the exploration of innovative and versatile drug delivery systems.

Electrosprayed Eudragit RL100 nanoparticles with Janus polyvinylpyrrolidone patches for multiphase release of paracetamol

“…Later, double-fluid coaxial electrospinning and electrospraying became popular due to their ability to create core–shell structures, which can provide strong supports for developing numerous functional materials. 22–26 The double fluids can be arranged in an inner–outer manner or a side-by-side manner with the structural spinnerets (the right section of Fig. 1).…”

“…On the other hand, its coverage on the metal surface is useful for preventing the loss of energy to the environment. 25,67 It holds significant importance for large-scale electrospinning production. Ideally, all electrical energy inputted into the electrospinning process was effectively utilized to draw and solidify the working fluids into solid nanofibers.…”

“…In general, there are two kinds of fundamental double-chamber nanostructures, i.e. , core–shell (or core–sheath, reflecting an inner–outer spatial relationship) 22–26 and Janus (or side-by-side, reflecting a front–rear, left–right, or up–down spatial relationship). 27–30 Other complicated multiple-chamber nanostructures can be viewed as combinations of these structures.…”

Recent progress of electrospun nanofibers as burning dressings

“…As a special applied field, wound dressing is able to always rely on the appearances of new electrospinning techniques, 202–206 and also its combinations with electrospraying and other traditional chemical and physical methods. 207–217…”

Electrospun multi‐chamber core–shell nanofibers and their controlled release behaviors: A review

“…In the drug delivery system, the elaborate manipulation of nanostructures could obtain different drug release profiles, such as rapid release, biphasic release, targeted release, and controlled release (Chen, Liu, & Liu, 2024; Ji et al, 2023; Lai et al, 2023; Qian et al, 2023; Reddy Obireddy et al, 2023). Core–shell structure is a common two‐chamber structure derived from nature, which is used to improve the performance of materials through the protection mechanism of the shell layer (Liu, Chen, Zhang, Ye, et al, 2022).…”