Fast-Dissolving Nifedipine and Atorvastatin Calcium Electrospun Nanofibers as a Potential Buccal Delivery System

Abstract

Geriatric patients are more likely to suffer from multiple chronic diseases that require using several drugs, which are commonly ingested. However, to enhance geriatric patients’ convenience, the electrospun nanofiber system was previously proven to be a successful alternative for the existing oral dosage forms, i.e., tablets and capsules. These nanofibers prepared either as single- or multi-layered fibers could hold at least one active compound in each layer. They might also be fabricated as ultra-disintegrated fibrous films for oral cavity administration, i.e., buccal or sublingual, to improve the bioavailability and intake of the administered drugs. Therefore, in this work, a combination of nifedipine and atorvastatin calcium, which are frequently prescribed for hypertension and hyperlipidemia patients, respectively, was prepared in a coaxial electrospinning system for buccal administration. Scanning electron microscopy image showed the successful preparation of smooth, non-beaded, and non-porous surfaces of the drug-loaded nanofibers with an average fiber diameter of 968 ± 198 nm. In contrast, transmission electron microscopy distinguished the inner and outer layers of those nanofibers. The disintegration of the drug-loaded nanofibers was ≤12 s, allowing the rapid release of nifedipine and atorvastatin calcium to 61% and 47%, respectively, after 10 min, while a complete drug release was achieved after 120 min. In vitro, a drug permeation study using Franz diffusion showed that the permeation of both drugs from the core–shell nanofibers was enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the drugs in a solution form. In conclusion, the development of drug-loaded nanofibers containing nifedipine and atorvastatin calcium can be a potential buccal delivery system.

Electrospun Fibers: Versatile Approaches for Controlled Release Applications

“…In this method, two layers are adjacent to each other and there is no protection against the surrounding media for none of the layers. So, stability and rate of release are related to the composition of each layer independently [35,36,73], although the difference in the charge or rate of drying for each layer during spinning may lead to phase separation.…”

Advances in Electrostatic Spinning of Polymer Fibers Functionalized with Metal-Based Nanocrystals and Biomedical Applications

“…As for bio-applications, it has been demonstrated that cells could also be processed by electrostatic spinning without loss of their activities [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. In addition, electrospun fibers, with tunable diameters from submicron to nanometer level and high specific surface area, can also facilitate the dispersion of their loaded compounds into the surrounding medium, thereby controlling the release of active substances (e.g., drugs) [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. In addition, electrospun fibers can mimic the microstructure of the human extracellular matrix, thus, greatly improving the biocompatibility of the material and making it more stable for the loaded bio-nanomaterials and drugs [ 22 ].…”

Formulation of Levocetirizine-Loaded Core–Shell Type Nanofibrous Orally Dissolving Webs as a Potential Alternative for Immediate Release Dosage Forms

“…Nanofibrous systems in a variety of forms can be used in several administration routes. Among others, nanofibrous drug delivery systems can be used in the preparation of various intraoral (buccal and sublingual) dosage forms, which have several advantageous properties [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Due to the anatomical features of the oral cavity and the buccal mucosa, both local and systemic effects can be achieved with intraoral administration [ 11 , 14 ].…”