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 technology—electrospinning and pressure driven fiber production technology—pressurized 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.     

Antimicrobial activity of tellurium‐loaded polymeric fiber meshes

A series of poly(methyl methacrylate) solutions loaded with varying concentrations of tellurium particles are prepared and processed into continuous and smooth microfiber meshes. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy are used to study the morphology and surface elemental composition of the composite fibers. Fiber diameters range between 7 and 14 µm with surface nanopores on the fibers ranging between 100 and 200 nm. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy confirmed successful incorporation of tellurium particles into the fibers. The concentration of tellurium in the composite significantly influenced fiber diameter, pore size, and morphology. The antibacterial activity of the prepared fibers is tested using Escherichia coli K12. The fibers are incubated in bacterial suspensions for 24 h at 37 °C and 150 rpm. Antibacterial activity is assessed through the colony‐counting method and is found to be dose dependent. The fibers with 4 wt % tellurium exhibited the most potent antibacterial properties as a 1.16 log reduction was observed. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46368.