Regenerated cellulose micro-nano fiber matrices for transdermal drug release

•Cellulose micro-nano fiber matrix was prepared by dry-wet electrospinning.•Ibuprofen was loaded on the matrix by a simple immersing method.•The drug loaded matrix showed a biphasic release profile.•The drug release was determined by a Fickian diffusion mechanism.

In this work, biobased fibrous membranes with micro- and nano-fibers are fabricated for use as drug delivery carries because of their biocompatibility, eco-friendly approach, and potential for scale-up. The cellulose micro-/nano-fiber (CMF) matrices were prepared by electrospinning of pulp in an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. A model drug, ibuprofen (IBU), was loaded on the CMF matrices by a simple immersing method. The amount of IBU loading was about 6% based on the weight of cellulose membrane. The IBU-loaded CMF matrices were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The test of ibuprofen release was carried out in an acetate buffer solution of pH 5.5 and examined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Release profiles from the CMF matrices indicated that the drug release rate could be determined by a Fickian diffusion mechanism.

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