Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
08:28
Vapor Phase Deposition of Electroactive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) onto Electrospun Commodity Polymer Nanofibers
Published on: March 7, 2025
1.9K
A thermosensitive drug delivery system prepared by blend electrospinning
Heyu Li1, Kailin Liu1, Qingqing Sang1
1College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|August 13, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed smart, temperature-sensitive fibers using poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PDEGMA) and ethyl cellulose (EC) for drug delivery. These fibers loaded with ketoprofen (KET) show tunable release and good biocompatibility.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Stimuli-responsive polymers offer advanced drug delivery solutions.
- Developing materials with tunable properties is crucial for controlled release applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize thermosensitive poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PDEGMA) blended with ethyl cellulose (EC) fibers.
- To investigate the drug loading and release characteristics of ketoprofen (KET) from these fibers.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and potential of these fibers as smart drug delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Polymer synthesis and electrospinning of EC/PDEGMA fibers.
- Ketoprofen loading and characterization using X-ray diffraction.
- Water contact angle measurements to assess wettability changes with temperature.
- In vitro drug release studies at different temperatures (25°C and 37°C).
- Biocompatibility testing with L929 fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- Smooth, cylindrical fibers were fabricated, with some imperfections in ketoprofen-loaded samples.
- Ketoprofen was amorphously distributed within the fibers.
- Fiber wettability increased (became more hydrophobic) with rising temperature.
- In vitro studies demonstrated prolonged ketoprofen release, with temperature-dependent release profiles.
- The materials exhibited good biocompatibility with L929 fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- EC/PDEGMA fibers are thermosensitive and suitable for drug delivery.
- The developed fibers show potential as smart, stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems.
- These materials offer tunable drug release profiles based on temperature changes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
51
Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also...
51
01:18Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
56
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...
56
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
57
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
57
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
50
Rate-programmed drug delivery systems release drugs in a controlled manner to maintain therapeutic levels. Three main designs include reservoir, matrix, and hybrid systems.Reservoir systems consist of a drug core enclosed within a membrane that controls drug release. In non-swelling reservoir systems, polymers like ethyl cellulose or polymethacrylates are used. These do not hydrate in aqueous media and control release through membrane thickness, porosity, or insolubility. This type includes...
50
01:23Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
69
Modified-release drug delivery systems improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects by controlling the rate and location of drug release. These systems fall into three categories: rate-programmed, stimuli-activated, and site-targeted.Rate-programmed systems release drugs at a predetermined rate, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels and reducing fluctuations that could lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. These systems use polymeric matrices, reservoir-based designs, or osmotic...
69
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
45
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
45