Electrospun fibres and electrosprayed particles for drug delivery: Some recent advances

Abstract:

Electrospinning is a powerful method for generating fibres with diameters on the nano-to-micro scale from polymer solutions, while the sister method of electrospraying generates particles. Electrospun fibres and electrosprayed particles have been very widely explored for drug delivery applications, most commonly as a method to accelerate the dissolution of poorly soluble small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). There exist however a range of other possibilities, including targeted, delayed, and stimulus-responsive release, or using the techniques to process complex biomolecules. In this presentation, we will discuss some recent advances in the development of electrospun and electrosprayed systems for drug delivery. We will explore formulations combining APIs with diagnostic agents, with the aim of providing simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of a disease (so-called theranostics), and those loaded with biologics and cell-derived therapeutics. Approaches to post-fabrication surface modification to impart the materials with additional functionality will be also considered. We will discuss the patient acceptability of the formulations, a key issue that needs to be taken into account prior to their clinical adoption, before finally touching on translational aspects.