Cyclodextrin-based nanofibers obtained by electrospinning

The aim of our research was to prepare polymer-free hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-(HPβCD) and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBEβCD) based nanofibers. For this purpose, four-four viscous, aqueous solutions were prepared with different concentrations from each cyclodextrin derivative, with the following concentrations: 170, 180, 190 and 200% (v/w) from HPβCD and: 210, 220, 230 and 240% (v/w) from SBEβCD.

The parameters for the electrospinning process were: 1.5 ml/h flowrate, 22-24 G sized needle, and an applied voltage of 25 kV. The distance between the needle and the collector was 13-15 cm in the case of HPβCD, and 9-11 cm in the case of SBEβCD.

The obtained nanofibers were morphologically characterized and their dis-integration process was also tracked. Then, the results obtained were compared within each cyclodextrin group, in order to identify optimal spinning parameters and they were also discussed, based on previous reports.

From our results, we concluded that the 200% HPβCD solution is the most effective for nanofiber formation, producing smooth, homogenous fibers with small diameters, which present ideal disintegration properties. At the tested voltages, it was not possible to form ideal nanofibers from SBEβCD, however, we managed to form some nanofibers with acceptable quality, and the ones made out from the 240% solution of the SBEβCD were the most suitable.