Chitosan/polyethylene glycol blend fibers and their properties for drug controlled release.

Fibers of chitosan and polyethylene glycol (PEG), with salicylic acid as model drug incorporated in different concentrations, were obtained by spinning their solution through a viscose-type spinneret into a coagulating bath containing aqueous tripolyphosphate and ethanol. Chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties characterization were carried out, as well as the studies of the factors that influence the drug releasing from chitosan/PEG fibers. These factors included the component ratio of chitosan and PEG, the loaded amount of salicylic acid, the pH and the ionic strength of the release solution and others. The diameter of the fibers is around 15 +/- 3 microm. The best values of the tensile strength at 12.86 cN/tex and breaking elongation at 21.13% of blend fibers were obtained when the PEG content was 8 and 5 wt %, respectively; the water-retention value of blend fibers increased as the composition of PEG was raised. The results of controlled release tests showed that the amount of salicylic acid released increased with an increase in the proportion of PEG present in the fiber. Moreover, the release rate of drug decreased as the amount of drug loaded in the fiber increased, but the cumulative release amount is increasing. The chitosan/PEG fibers were also sensitive to pH and ionic strength. The release rate was being accelerated by a lower pH and a higher ionic strength, respectively. All the results indicated that the chitosan/PEG fiber was potentially useful in drug delivery systems.