Optimization of curcumin nanofibers as fast dissolving oral films prepared by emulsion electrospinning via central composite design

The pharmacological beneficial effects of curcumin (CUR) are compromised by its water insolubility, poor bioavailability, and instability. The fast-dissolving oral films prepared by hydrophilic biodegradable polymers can be used to address this issue. This study aimed to application of emulsion-electrospinning to fabricate the CUR-loaded PVPK90 nanofibers. The nanofibers were prepared using the central composite design. The selected variables were drug concentrations, flow rates, acetone content, and organic phase percentages and the evaluated responses were diameters, loading %, wetting and disintegration times. The fabricated nanofibers were also subjected to DSC, FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM and fluorescence microscopy analyses, as well as drug release assessment. The formulation containing 6 mg/mL CUR, 30% organic phase, 0.4 mL acetone, with the flow rate of 1 mL/h was selected as the optimum formulation. The results confirmed the formation of uniform bead-free nanofibers. The nanofibers prepared in the optimum condition showed a good flexibility, short wetting and disintegration times, as well as an amorphous structure. The drug release pattern indicated the rapid release of the drug within 30 s. Our findings confirmed that the O/W emulsion electrospinning-based PVPK90 nanofiber would be beneficial as a fast dissolving oral film for dissolution enhancement of curcumin.