Pullulan-DOX/PVA-PDMS Biopolymeric Core-Shell Nanofibers Potential for Drug Delivery Systems

In this research, a novel drug delivery system shell was created by loading doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) into Pullulan and integrating the core into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Polydimethoxysilane (PDMS) composite matrix. The incorporation of DOX into the pullulan solution was carried out to take advantage of Pullulan's biocompatibility, biodegradability and hydrophilic nature. The hydrophilic nature of PVA can result in rapid drug release, while the hydrophobic nature of PDMS allows for slower drug release. The use of PVA-PDMS polymers together in the shell offers an initial rapid release followed by a prolonged and controlled drug release. This combination is superior to PVA or PDMS in terms of safety, mechanical strength, flexibility, controlled drug release and structural stability. This innovative composite system was designed to optimise DOX's controlled release to increase its therapeutic efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity. The kinetics of the drug release was characterised by an initial burst release followed by a sustained release phase, allowing controlled and prolonged release of the chemotherapeutic agent. Our results indicate that the pullulan/PVA-PDMS composite is a promising candidate for practical drug delivery applications, especially in cancer therapy.