Crystallinity modulated silk fibroin electrospun nanofibers based floating scaffold as a candidate for controlled release of felodipine

Floating gastro-retentive delivery approach provides a significant pathway for controlled release of drug with increase gastric residence. In this study, we report crystallinity modulated electrospun silk fibroin nanofibers (SF-NFs) floating scaffolds for the controlled release of felodipine (FD). The alteration in the crystallinity behavior due to changes in the structural conformation of SF helps to customize the release kinetics of FD-loaded SF-NFs scaffolds. Additionally, FD-loaded SF scaffolds system having a density less than the acidic gastric fluid explore as a new tactic for floating drug delivery system. The prepared FD-loaded SF nanofibers (FD-loaded SF-NFs) were characterized by spectral, thermal, and diffractometric techniques, scanning electron microscopy, floating profile, in-vitro degradation, mucoadhesion, and in-vitro dissolution studies, etc. The optimized batch had the least porosity and swelling, was annealed with ethanol and water for crystallinity modulation of SF-NFs to get controlled release of FD. Spectral, thermal, and diffractometric analyses could unveil the molecular dispersion of FD, coupled with amorphous form stabilization in NF. Excellent floating profile and satisfactory mucoadhesion of FD-SF-NFs also endorsed the formation of a novel floating drug delivery system. Temporal control over FD release was elucidated by in-vitro dissolution, demonstrating controlled release due to crystallinity modulation of SF-NFs. In conclusion, crystallinity-modulated electrospun NFs fabricated from SF waste could be used as a customizable carrier for drug delivery to the gastric region.