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Electrospun quercetin-loaded zein nanoribbons
Xiao-Yan Li1, Chen-Jie Shi2, Deng-Guang Yu1
1School of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China.
Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering
|September 18, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed quercetin-loaded zein nanoribbons using electrospinning. Coaxial electrospinning enhanced drug release, offering a promising method for improved nanomedicine delivery.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Zein protein is a biocompatible material suitable for drug delivery.
- Electrospinning offers a versatile method for fabricating nanostructures.
- Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize quercetin-loaded zein nanoribbons using different electrospinning techniques.
- To investigate the effect of electrospinning parameters on nanoribbon morphology and quercetin encapsulation.
- To evaluate the in vitro drug release profiles and understand the release mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of zein nanoribbons via coaxial and single-fluid electrospinning using ethanol-water solutions.
- Characterization of nanoribbon morphology using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).
- Analysis of quercetin state within nanoribbons using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).
- In vitro dissolution testing to assess drug release kinetics.
Main Results:
- Nanoribbon width was controllable by adjusting water content in sheath fluid (D=958-8.01C).
- Quercetin was found in an amorphous state within zein nanoribbons due to hydrogen bonding.
- Both coaxial and single-fluid electrospinning yielded sustained drug release via Fickian diffusion.
- Coaxial electrospinning demonstrated superior performance with reduced initial burst effect and better sustained release.
Conclusions:
- Coaxial electrospinning is an effective method for producing high-quality quercetin-loaded zein nanoribbons.
- The developed nanoribbons exhibit favorable sustained drug release properties.
- This approach expands the utility of electrospinning for advanced nanomedicine development.
