Tunable chemotherapy release using biocompatible fatty acid-modified ethyl cellulose nanofibers

Localized stimuli-responsive delivery systems for chemotherapy drugs have the potential to revolutionize therapeutic outcomes by offering greater selectivity, thereby reducing systemic side effects and bolstering patient benefits. In this work, ethyl cellulose (EC) nanofibers were prepared using electrospinning, encapsulating both doxorubicin HCl (DOX) and Rhodamine B (RhB) as representative hydrophilic chemotherapy and model drugs, respectively, and lauric acid (LA) as a biocompatible phase change material (PCM). In vitro release profiles demonstrated a distinct temperature-dependent release pattern: a noteworthy 27 % increase in release for DOX at pH 7.4 at 40 °C compared to 37 °C after 96 h Additionally, the release mechanism of DOX showcased pronounced pH sensitivity, evidenced by an increase of 41 % in release after 96 h at pH 4 when the temperature was increased from 37 °C to 40 °C, combined with a noticeable reduction of burst release. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assay indicated the prolonged efficacy of the DOX-embedded nanofibers, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Advanced analytical techniques, such as DSC, XRD, and FTIR, revealed an amorphous state of the drugs and a harmonious PCM integration. Our EC drug delivery system (DDS) demonstrated potential for targeted, stimuli-responsive DOX release, which could revolutionize its traditional administration, particularly in post-surgical scenarios to prevent tumor recurrence.