A Comparison of Electric-Field-Driven and Pressure-Driven Fiber Generation Methods for Drug Delivery

Polymeric fibers are prepared by using electric field driven fiber production technologyelectrospinning and pressure driven fiber production technologypressurized gyration. Fibers of four different polymers: polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and polyvinylpyridine (PVP), are spun by both techniques and differences are analyzed for their suitability as drug carriers. The diameters of electrospun fibers are larger in some cases (PVDF and PMMA), producing fibers with lower surface area. Pressurized gyration allows for a higher rate of fiber production. Additionally, drug-loaded PVP fibers are prepared by using two poorly water-soluble drugs (Amphotericin B and Itraconazole). In vitro dissolution studies show differences in release rate between the two types of fibers. Drug-loaded gyrospun fibers release the drugs faster within 15 min compared to the drug-loaded electrospun fibers. The findings suggest pressurized gyration is a promising and scalable approach to rapid fiber production for drug delivery when compared to electrospinning.