Posted by In this study, starch-derived cyclodextrin (hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD)) was used both for forming an inclusion complex (IC) with acyclovir, a well-known antiviral drug, and for electrospinning of free-standing nanofibers. The nanofibers were produced in an aqueous system, without using a carrier polymer matrix and toxic solvent/chemical. The ultimate HPβCD/acyclovir-IC nanofibers were thermally cross-linked by using citric acid, listed in the generally regarded as safe (GRAS) category by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The cross-linked HPβCD/acyclovir-IC nanofibers displayed stability in aqueous medium. The hydrogel-forming feature of nanofibers was confirmed with their high swelling profile in water in the range of ∼610–810%. Cellulose acetate (CA)/acyclovir nanofibers were also produced as the control sample. Due to inclusion complexation with HPβCD, the solubility of acyclovir was improved, so cross-linked HPβCD/acyclovir-IC nanofibrous hydrogels displayed a better release performance compared to CA/acyclovir nanofibers. Here, a pH-dependent release profile was obtained (pH 5.4 and pH 7.4) besides their attractive swelling features. Therefore, the cross-linked HPβCD/acyclovir-IC nanofibrous hydrogel can be a promising candidate as a wound healing dressing for the administration of antiviral drugs by holding the unique properties of CD and electrospun nanofibers.
Asli Celebioglu, Tamer Uyar (2023) Green Synthesis of Polycyclodextrin/Drug Inclusion Complex Nanofibrous Hydrogels: pH-Dependent Release of Acyclovir. ACS Appl. Bio Mater. Publication Date:August 21, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.3c00446