Title:Solidifying Essential Balm into Electrospun Core-sheath Nanofibers for Prolonged Release
Volume: 1
Issue: 1
Author(s): Kun Zhao, Yao-Yao Yang*, Shi-Xiong Kang and Deng-Guang Yu*
Affiliation:
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093,China
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093,China
Keywords:
coaxial electrospinning, essential balm, core-sheath nanofiber, morphology, structure, volatility.
Abstract:
Background: Essential Balm (EB) is a commonly used medicine with high volatility and
short shelf-life during storage.
Objective: Slowing down the volatilization rate of EB and exploring the effect of fiber on the volatilization
rate of EB.
Methods: In this study, electrospinning technology was used to convert the liquid EB into solid EB
in order to improve the balm’s storage and longevity.
Results: Specifically, core-sheath nanofibers coated with EB were prepared by traditional coaxial
electrospinning technology, in which polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 was used as polymer sheath to reduce
the volatilization of EB in the core layer. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that
the core-sheath flow rate ratio is proportional to the sizes and number of spindles. EB was successfully
placed into the fibers and showed good compatibility with the carriers. Infrared spectroscopy
indicated the presence of a hydrogen bond between them. Volatility tests showed that all prepared
composites could delay the volatility of EB and improve its physical stability.
Conclusion: This methodology can be applied toward increasing the shelf-life of liquid drugs by
using core-sheath nanofibers. The core-sheath fibers with good morphology are more propitious to
delay the volatilization rate of EB.