Fabrication of electrospun antioxidant nanofibers by rutin-pluronic solid dispersions for enhanced solubility

In this study, solid dispersions (SDs) and electrospinning combined methods were used to increase the bioavailability and solubility of a water insoluble drug. Pullulan (PUL) nanofibers containing rutin-Pluronic SDs (PUL&RU@PF) were fabricated by electrospinning. Rutin was efficiently loaded with Pluronic SDs using a facile mixing method and the prepared SDs indicated that 4% w/v Pluronic concentration provided the optimal drug loading efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verified that the morphology of the complex nanofibers had a uniformly smooth surface with a porous structure. The amorphous state of rutin was examined by XRD and DSC. Moreover, rutin in the electrospun PUL-rutin-Pluronic complex structure displayed a fast release profile and equivalent antioxidant ability compared to that of raw rutin. In conclusion, PUL&RU@PF may be a promising alternative for enhanced solubility and UV stability with remaining rutin's inherent antioxidant ability.