Pectin/poly(ethylene Oxide)/zein/hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate-Based Fibers with Nanocellulose for Controlled Hydroxychloroquine Release

Obtaining new materials for drug delivery through the electrospinning of biopolymers is a strategic approach in the pharmaceutical industry. Incorporating nanoparticles into polymeric matrices influences the morphology of the produced fibers and, consequently, the drug release process. In this study, we produced long cylindrical blended fibers based on pectin, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), zein, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) delivery in the presence of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nanofibrils (CNF). Both CNC and CNF contributed to retaining HCQ in the polymeric matrix for a longer duration, but the CNC-containing fibers had the slowest release rate. The release profiles of HCQ molecules were best fitted using the First Order Model for all types of fibers. The application of the obtained fibers may be of great interest as delivery platforms for HCQ release, particularly in cases such as colon cancer treatment.