Performance and drug release studies of poly (ɛ-caprolactone)/γ-poly (glutamic acid) fibrous membranes

Abstract

Fibrous membranes of poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/γ-poly(glutamicacid) (PCL/γ-PGA) composites were successfully produced via an electrospinning process. In doing so, the water solubility of florfenicol (FF) could be enhanced and the drug release properties of FF could be controlled. The mechanical, morphologic, and thermal properties of the fibrous membranes of PCL/γ-PGA were studied by using an electronic single fiber strength machine, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The wettability of the fibrous membranes of PCL/γ-PGA was also measured as discussed in the subsequent section. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was applied in the structural analysis of the PCL/γ-PGA-FF fibrous membranes. The results indicated that FF was well blended in the composite membranes of PCL/γ-PGA. In vitro dissolution tests showed that PCL/γ-PGA (85/15; 8%) as both a biodegradable and biocompatible blend may improve the solubility of FF. Therefore, fibrous membranes of PCL/γ-PGA may represent ideal materials for the controlled drug release in various clinical applications.