In Vitro Testing of Ibrutinib-Loaded Electrospun Nanofibers for Potential Use as a Transdermal Patch Material

Breast cancer is a malignancy that originates in the epithelial cells of breast tissue, presenting a considerable challenge to the physical and mental health of women worldwide. This disease remains a prominent concern in public health and medical research, necessitating ongoing attention for effective management and treatment. In this study, a novel drug delivery material was developed by using ibrutinib (IBR)-loaded electrospun polycaprolactone/poly-l-arginine (PCL-P-(Arg)) nanofibers (ENs) for breast cancer treatment. The system aims to improve site-specific delivery near breast tissue through localized and controlled drug release, offering potential advantages over conventional administration routes. The fabricated PCL-P-(Arg)/IBR ENs were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, a swelling test, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) measurements. Drug release profiles were evaluated under in vitro conditions at pH 5.5 (the endosomal pH of cancer cells and skin pH range of 4-5.5) and pH 7.4 (the physiological pH). The results showed that adding P-(Arg) significantly increased the ENs' hydrophilicity, porosity, and swelling capacity. Sustained IBR release was observed at both pH values. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model best explained the release kinetics and demonstrated Fickian and anomalous transport mechanisms. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line revealed that PCL-P-(Arg)/IBR ENs significantly reduced cell viability compared to the control group (IBR-unloaded ENs). These findings suggest that PCL-P-(Arg)/IBR ENs provide controlled release, favorable physicochemical properties, and targeted cytotoxicity, representing a promising patch for the treatment of breast cancer.