Preparation of ultrafine fast-dissolving feruloyl-oleyl-glycerol-loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone fiber mats via electrospinning

Fast-dissolving drug delivery membranes for poorly water-soluble drugs were prepared by electrospinning using feruloyl-oleyl-glycerol (FOG) as a model drug and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K90 as a polymer matrix in a mixed solvent of chloroform/ethanol (4:1, v/v). Results from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) illustrated good compatibility between FOG and PVP as well as a good distribution of FOG within the fibers. The morphology and diameter of the fibers were influenced by the concentration of PVP and the applied voltage. When the PVP concentration was 5% (w/v) and the applied voltage was 14 kV, uniform and smooth fibers were obtained, with diameter 700-800 nm. Wetting time assays confirmed fast-dissolving properties with the average dissolution time for FOG-loaded PVP fiber membranes being 2.0 +/- 1.5 s. These results demonstrate the potential of electrospinning solid dispersions to improve the dissolution profile of poorly water-soluble drugs. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.