Functionalization of electrospun poly(caprolactone) fibers for pH-controlled delivery of doxorubicin hydrochloride

Functionalized electrospun polymer fibers are a promising candidate for controlled delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to improve the therapeutic efficacy and to reduce the potential toxic effects by delivering the drug at a rate governed by the physiological need of the site of action. In this study, poly(caprolactone) (PCL) fibers were fabricated by electrospinning, followed by hydrolyzation to introduce functional groups on the fiber surface. Characterization studies were performed on these functionalized fibers using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Toluidine Blue O dye assay. The pH-sensitivity of the functional groups on the fiber surface and doxorubicin hydrochloride was utilized to bind the drug electrostatically to these functionalized PCL fibers. The effect of pH on drug loading and release kinetics was investigated. Results indicate successful electrostatic binding of the drug to functionalized electrospun fibers and a high drug payload. The drug delivery response can be modulated by introduction of suitable stimuli (pH).