Nanofibers have unique characteristics which allow them to be manipulated in many different applications, such as large surface area to volume ratio, flexibility, and superior mechanical performance. In a drug delivery system, an efficient technique for preparing nanofibers is electrospinning. Nanofibers consisting of poly-lactic acid (PLA) and chitosan fused with silver nanoparticles were prepared using the electrospinning method, and characterized using an UV/Visible spectrophotometer as well as a scanning electron microscope. Silver sulfadiazine, a topical antibiotic used in medical facilities, was also distributed into the fibers and tested on cells to determine the rate of degradability and immersion. By varying the ratio of concentration of polymer to antibiotic, rapidly-decomposing nanofibers were collected. PLA and chitosan nanofibers are biocompatible, making electrospinning with inert nanoparticles a possible method for delivery of drugs to target cells. Drugs would then be able to be released to target cells controllably which should decrease side effects.

Incorporation of silver nanoparticles in organic co-polymer nanofibers for drug delivery

247th National Meeting (2014)

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