Electrosprayed poly(vinyl alcohol) particles: preparation and evaluation of their drug release profile

Abstract

Encapsulation of bioactive molecules within polymeric particles is a challenge, due to several limitations including low drug-loading efficiency, unwanted release profile, polydispersity and batch to batch variation in reproducibility, along with the limitations to scale up the process. It is essential to control the morphology of pure polymer particles in the first instance, in order to obtain the desired release profile of the drugs from the particles during the later stage. Here, we present the preparation of electrosprayed particles from water soluble FDA-approved polymer, namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as an approach towards short-term drug delivery vehicle. Through electrospraying and varying the solvent ratios, three different sizes of particles were prepared, with sizes ranging from 500 to 2000 nm. Insulin was chosen as a model bioactive molecule, and the release profile of the drug was studied after incorporation in PVA particles. Fractional release plots obtained showed short-term release of insulin, within the first 60 minutes. Release curves were analyzed according to Ritger-Peppas model, suggesting Fickian diffusion as the predominant insulin release mechanism from PVA particles. This work suggests electrosprayed PVA particles as an innovative drug delivery system for short-term administration of drugs.