Ultrathin core-sheath fibers for liposome stabilization

Abstract

Ultrathin core-sheath fibers with small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) in the core were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. SUVs/sodium hyaluranate (HA-Na)/water and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ethanol solutions were used as core and sheath fluid in electrospinning, respectively. The ultrathin fibers were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The SUVs were successfully encapsulated in the core HA-Na matrix of the ultrathin fibers and are in the elliptic shape. The SUVs encapsulated in the core matrix of the ultrathin fibers have an excellent stability. The SUVs embedded in the ultrathin fibers are stable. When the ultrathin fibers were re-dissolved in water after one-month storage at room temperature, the rehydrated SUVs have the similar size and size distribution as the as-prepared SUVs. The liposome-loaded ultrathin fiber mats have the promising applications in wound healing materials.

Keywords: Coaxial electrospinning; Core–sheath nanofibers; Liposome stabilization; Polyvinylpyrrolidone; Sodium hyaluranate.