On-Demand Drug Delivery Systems Using Nanofibers.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• On-demand drug delivery systems utilizing nanofibers enable customized release kinetics for targeted therapeutic effects.
• Nanofiber formulations are specific to drugs, and altering the drug can significantly impact release from the delivery system.
• Key nanofiber properties include ease of manufacturing, material versatility, large surface area, and complex pore structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and classify various types of nanofibers used in drug delivery based on recent studies.
• To categorize nanofiber properties influencing modified drug release.
• To highlight factors affecting drug release characteristics from nanofiber systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent accessible studies on nanofiber drug delivery systems.
• Classification of nanofibers based on composition, drug-release characteristics, mechanism of release, structure, and content.
• Categorization of nanofiber properties for modified drug release (protracted, stimulus-activated, biphasic).

Main Results:

• Nanofibers offer effective drug loading, controllable release, and high stability, making them promising for on-demand drug delivery.
• Controlled drug release necessitates suitable polymers, a high surface-to-volume ratio, and high porosity in the nanofiber mesh.
• Drug release properties are influenced by polymer type (swellable or degradable), processing conditions, and ambient factors.

Conclusions:

• Nanofiber formulation is complex, influenced by numerous variables, but offers diverse options for achieving desired drug-release characteristics.
• Understanding nanofiber properties and influencing factors is crucial for designing effective on-demand drug delivery systems.
• Further research into nanofiber-based systems holds significant potential for advancing personalized medicine through controlled drug release.