Electrospinning of polymeric nanofibers for drug delivery applications

J Control Release. 2014 Jul 10:185:12-21. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.04.018. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

Abstract

Electrospinning has been recognized as a simple and versatile method for fabrication of polymer nanofibers. Various polymers that include synthetic, natural, and hybrid materials have been successfully electrospun into ultrafine fibers. The inherently high surface to volume ratio of electrospun fibers can enhance cell attachment, drug loading, and mass transfer properties. Drugs ranging from antibiotics and anticancer agents to proteins, DNA, RNA, living cells, and various growth factors have been incorporated into electrospun fibers. This article presents an overview of electrospinning techniques and their application in drug delivery.

Keywords: Drug delivery; Electrospinning; Local chemotherapy; Wound dressing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bandages
  • Drug Delivery Systems / instrumentation
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Electrochemical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / ultrastructure
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage*
  • Polymers / chemistry

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Polymers