Modeling of Paclitaxel Release From Magnetic Niosomes-Loaded Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Nanofiber Matrix Underan...

In this study, a targeted and stimulus-responsive drug delivery system was designed and modeled for enhanced cancer therapy. Paclitaxel (PTX) release was investigated from trastuzumab-decorated SPION-loaded niosomes (TTSNs) integrated within polycaprolactone/chitosan electrospun fibers at varying TTSN concentrations (0%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5%) under both conventional and alternating magnetic field (AMF) conditions. The system was characterized using DLS, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, EDX, and swelling analyses, while MTT assays assessed cytocompatibility. The TTSNs exhibited a spherical morphology with a mean size of 221 nm and a zeta potential of -14.7 mV. The resulting nanofibrous mats displayed smooth, uniform fibers with an average diameter of 200 nm. Incorporation of TTSNs did not alter fiber morphology but increased the swelling capacity. Drug release studies revealed that exposure to AMF significantly enhanced PTX release, particularly in mats containing 5% TTSNs, indicating a clear magneto-responsive behavior. Korsmeyer-Peppas modeling provided the best fit for PTX release profiles both with and without AMF. The release mechanism and model fitting varied with TTSN concentration, emphasizing the importance of optimizing nanoparticle content for specific therapeutic applications.