Preformulation studies of ciprofloxacin loaded PVP nanofibers

Abstract

Ciprofloxacin is a worldwide-used, broad-spectrum antibiotic with low water-solubility [1]. To earn higher solubility, and better bioavailability, nanofibers were fabricated as an amorphous solid dispersion with the polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). For the production, needle and needleless electrospinning methods were used [2]. The fiber size and morphology were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Physicochemical properties were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results proved the amorphous state of the CIP inside the nanofibrous mats. The solubility, in vitro dissolution rate, and in vitro diffusion were remarkably higher in the case of the nanofibers compared with the CIP powder or the physical mixture of the two components. The solubility of the CIP demonstrated a significant increase both in water (pH 6.3) and phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4). In addition, fastdissolving formulations were developed, while 94±6% of the CIP was released in the first 5 min. Moreover, in vitro diffusion from pH 6.8 to pH 7.4 also showed a notable increase. The stability of the nanofibrous samples was studied by SEM and in vitro dissolution. In conclusion, fast-dissolving formulations were built up which can be further investigated to develop appropriate pharmaceutical forms.