Controlled engineering of highly aligned fibrous dosage form matrices for controlled release

In this study, complex drug-cellulose acetate (CA) composite films were designed and fabricated possessing pre-determined grid spacing for inter-connected fibrous films. Ibuprofen (IBU) was selected as the active ingredient and grid spacing was varied between 300 and 500 μm (fiber diameter ∼ 35 μm) for various geometries. Process parameter impact on fiber morphology and deposition was investigated. FTIR confirmed IBU encapsulation and XRD analysis indicated the drug was dispersed (amorphous) in films. Inter-connected grid void geometry was shown to impact water contact behavior, and drug release mechanism was shown to be Fickian diffusion. Furthermore, drug release rate depended on geometry of engineered structures. The findings suggest a spatial design approach for modulated drug release from bespoke drug delivery dosage forms.