Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospunned Eprosartan-Loaded Biocompatible Polyvinyl Acetate/Povidone-Based Nanofiber Mat: A Novel Approach as Transdermal Carrier for Therapeutic Actives

Nanofiber (NF) represents one of the newest, promising, and advanced technologies in transdermal and oromucosal drug delivery due to its unique advantages. The present study aims to explore the feasibility of Kollidon® SR (K-SR) to fabricate the sustained release of Eprosartan (EPR)-loaded nanofiber (NF) by using electrospinning technology for transdermal drug delivery. The EPR-NF mat was prepared with sodium iodide (SI) along the backing membrane and compared with film casted mat. The fabricated NF mechanical and physicochemical properties were assessed. Further, NF was evaluated for in-vitro and ex-vivo diffusion study, skin irritation study, and for antihypertensive activity. The formed NF in presence of SI was attributed increased conductivity of polymer solution resulting in uniform NF. The SEM and IR elucidated the thin, uniform, smooth surface of NF without bead formation and interaction between EPR and K-SR. The PXRD and DSC revealed the molecular dispersion with less crystalline nature of the NF. The diffusion and permeation study resulted in initial burst release with gradual diffusion with zero-order kinetics. The skin irritation study revealed lack of erythema or edema reflecting its acceptability. Furthermore, the developed EPR-NF mat efficaciously controlled systolic blood pressure (SBP) in rats up to 24 h. As per the results, K-SR can be explored as a promising carrier for the fabrication of electrospunned NF mat for successful transdermal delivery of therapeutic actives.