Lycopene loaded polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA/copolymer electrospun nanofibers, synthesis, characterization, and control release

The effect of different copolymers on the morphological and encapsulating properties of polylactic acid (PLA) nano(micro)fiber and potential of the fibers for controlling lycopene release rate were studied. The lycopene loaded fibers developed from PLA and different copolymers including polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyacrylic acid, and cellulose acetate (CA) using electrospinning. Diameters and morphology of fabricated fibers are assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Encapsulation of the lycopene in the fibers was confirmed using fluorescence microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry showed the thermal stability of the encapsulated lycopene. Incorporation of PEO changed the morphology of the fibers and let to fast release of encapsulated lycopene. In presence of CA the fine fiber with surface smooth morphology was produced and the releaase rate of lycopene was decreased which, can be related to good compatibility of PLA and CA that prevent the release of lycopene. Practical applications The use of electrospun ultrafine fibers as drug carriers could be promising in the future for biomedical applications, especially postoperative local chemotherapy and controlled drug release from electrospun fibers has found important biomedical applications in wound healing, transdermal delivery, and tissue engineering. Characterization of forming solution related to properties of produced fibers as well as release properties of embedded functionals are necessary.