Synthesis and release profile of ibuprofen-loaded zein and gelatin nanofiber scaffolds for potential transdermal application in burn wound treatment

• Published in: Mehran University research journal of engineering and technology Vol. 44; no. 1; pp. 144 - 151
• Main Authors: Memon, Umaima Saleem, Memon, Murk Saleem, Memon, Abdul Wahab, Shahzad, Mehwish, Rehman, Murk, Ahmed, Farooq, Khatri, Zeeshan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mehran University of Engineering and Technology 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Antibacterial agents; Biopolymers; Burns and scalds; Care and treatment; Drug delivery systems; Drugs; Ibuprofen; Nanotechnology; Product introduction; Vehicles; Wounds and injuries
• ISSN: 0254-7821; 2413-7219
• DOI: 10.22581/muet1982.3372

An antimicrobial barrier may accelerate rehabilitation by facilitating the healing of living tissues affected by injuries caused by burning. Fibrous mats based on nanotechnology have been extensively researched for their potential as drug delivery systems. The fabrication of electrospun polymeric nanofibrous mats containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and antibacterial agents has been discussed in this article. Electrospinning has been employed to create nanofibrous mats from pure zein and pure gelatin, and their combined use with Ibuprofen, an NSAID. Due to the ability of these electrospun nanofibrous mats to control exudation, they keep the site dry and shield it from microbiological activity, which makes them a good option for wound healing. In addition to providing an antibacterial layer that promotes wound healing, the manufactured mats can also function as medicine transporters. This research article extensively addresses the drug release profile from the carrier nanofibrous mats and the characteristics of fiber mats using standard characterization techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The resultant fiber mats' drug release kinematics are compared to the standard mathematical models (Korsmeyer-pappas and Higuchi. The cumulative drug percentage released from these mats consistently validated Higuchi’s model, which exhibited diffusion-controlled super case-II transport (n>1). The results indicate that the Ibuprofen is efficiently loaded onto the nanofibers, with a uniform distribution of the drug throughout the fiber matrix and ensures that the drug is released in a controlled and sustained manner, promoting effective wound healing.