Preparation and Characterization of Dual Drug Loaded PVP-EC Electrospun Nanofiber for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

An initial nanofiber (NF) formulation was developed using individual drug loading with sulfasalazine (SSZ) and quercetin (QCT). Subsequently, a dual drug-loaded system (SSZ and QCT) was prepared using a composite polymer matrix of polyvinylpyrrolidone K-90 (PVP K-90) and ethyl cellulose (EC). The electrospun NF formulation was optimized using the desirability function in Design Expert software, yielding an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 88.75% and a nanofiber diameter (ND) of 374 nm. The independent process parameters investigated included applied voltage, tip-to-collector distance, and solution flow rate. The polymer solution concentration for electrospinning was optimized to ensure extensive chain entanglement, enabling the formation of defect-free nanofibers. Fibers produced with PVP K-90 alone exhibited favorable viscosity characteristics and were smooth, uniform, cylindrical, and free from beads. Similarly, fibers produced with the composite polymer system (PVP K-90 and EC) were also smooth and non-beaded, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The incorporation of EC into the polymer blend resulted in nanofibers with a reduced diameter, The hydrophobic nature of EC contributed to sustained release of the herbal component. The dual polymer approach enabled tailored release profiles for each drug, making the composite NF formulation suitable for meeting specific therapeutic regimens.