Scale-up and optimization of fenofibrate-loaded fibers electrospun by corona-electrospinning

Scaled-up production of fenofibrate-loaded, polyvinylpyrrolidone-based microfibrous mats was achieved by using corona-electrospinning. An experimental design-based approach was used to study the influence of production parameters on fiber diameter and morphology. Microstructural characterization of the obtained products was performed by scanning electron microscopy imaging and differential scanning calorimetry. Drug content and in vitro dissolution studies were performed in order to monitor the effect of electrospinning on the drug release characteristics from the obtained product. The optimized parameters provided electrospun mats with smooth, homogenous fibers, without beading, which conferred rapid drug release and increased solubility of the lipid-lowering drug. The in vitro dissolution results show 40 times higher fenofibrate release from the fiber mats compared to the micronized active pharmaceutical ingredient. The presented results show that corona-electrospinning is a promising method for scale-up applications, and it could be used in the pharmaceutical industry. The fenofibrate loaded microfibrous mats could treat dyslipidemia, thus prevent heart attack or stroke, by using lower drug content. Lower drug content could also reduce the associated side effects and lowers the cost of treatment.