Programmable Release of a Water-Soluble Drug from Electrospun Nanofibers for HIV Inhibition

Recent studies on small molecule drug delivery from fibers have shown promise as the small diameter and large surface area of nanofibers leads to burst release of many drugs, particularly water-soluble drugs. However, the ability to achieve sustained release of small molecule drugs from nanofibers has proved more difficult. PLGA/PCL nanofibers were developed on a uniaxial electrospinning apparatus for controlled release of hydrophilic and hydrophobic antiretroviral drugs for HIV-1 inhibition. PLGA content within the fiber yields dampened release while PCL content yields burst release kinetics. A tunable ratio of PLGA to PCL content led to programmed and sustained release of a water-soluble ARV drug for up to 10 days.