title: Design and characterization of a silk-fibroin-based drug delivery platform using naproxen as a model drug.
abstract: The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to develop a platform for controlled drug delivery based on silk fibroin (SF) and to explore the feasibility of using SF in oral drug delivery. The SF-containing matrixes were prepared via spray-drying and film casting, and the release profile of the model drug naproxen sodium was evaluated. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been used to observe conformational changes in SF- and drug-containing compositions. SF-based films, spray-dried microparticles, and matrixes loaded with naproxen were prepared. Both FTIR spectra and in vitro dissolution data demonstrated that SF β-sheet conformation regulates the release profile of naproxen. The controlled release characteristics of the SF-containing compositions were evaluated as a function of SF concentration, temperature, and exposure to dehydrating solvents. The results suggest that SF may be an attractive polymer for use in controlled drug delivery systems.
authors.affiliation: Banner Pharmacaps Inc., 4125 Premier Drive, High Point, NC 27265, USA.
authors.forename: Tatyana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dyakonov
authors.forename: Chue Hue
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: Saujanya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gosangari
authors.forename: Shingai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Majuru
authors.forename: Aqeel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fatmi