Date Approved
11-23-2023
Embargo Period
4-22-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Advisor
Ping Lu, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Xiao Hu, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Zhihong Wang, Ph.D.
Keywords
doxorubicin; electrospinning; ethyl cellulose; nanofibers; phase change material; stimuli-responsive delivery
Subject(s)
Polymeric drug delivery systems; Electrospinning
Disciplines
Chemistry | Medicinal-Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Abstract
In this study, ethyl cellulose (EC) nanofibers loaded with either Rhodamine B (RhB) or Doxorubicin HCl (DOX) and phase change materials (PCM) were fabricated by blend electrospinning. EC is a cellulose derivative widely used as an excipient in the pharmaceutical industry and an ideal polymer for controlled drug release. Lauric acid (LA) and stearic acid (SA) were used as a material with a melting point close to physiological body temperature. Good drug-polymer compatibility and an amorphous distribution of drugs were shown by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The release rate of RhB was shown to be dependent on both drug and PCM loading at 37°C. Samples containing phase change material also showed an increased release rate of 8% RhB when the temperature was increased from 37 °C to 40 °C. A stimuli-controlled release of DOX was demonstrated by an increase of 27% and 41% release rate at pH 7.4 and pH 4, respectively, when the temperature was increased from 37 °C to 40 °C. The comparison of RhB and DOX showed the influence of the selected drug on release rate. The reported electrospun drug delivery system shows promise for the temperature-responsive release of DOX over an extended time-period. This approach may prove useful in the treatment of solid tumors while reducing side effects and improving patient compliance and outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Wildy, Michael, "ELECTROSPUN ETHYL CELLULOSE NANOFIBERS WITH PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS: DESIGNING TEMPERATURE-RESPONSIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 3171.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3171
