Preparation of Cellulose Acetate Fibers Loaded with Naproxen Ester Prodrug through Wet-Spinning

Cellulose acetate (CA) fibers loaded with naproxen ester prodrug, naproxen methyl ester, were prepared through a wet-spinning technique by using N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as a solvent. The chemical and morphological characterizations of the medicated fibers were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as the studies of the drug release properties. It was observed that the surface and the cross section of the fibers were quite smooth and cylindrical respectively, whereas microcracks were present on the surface of the fibers. Naproxen methyl ester was successfully encapsulated into a monofilament fiber, and this system was stable in terms of high loading capacity and effectiveness in release. The in vitro release experiment indicated that constant drug release from the fiber was observed for a long duration of time. These findings demonstrate that controlled release of drugs from cellulose acetate fibers could be potentially useful in drug delivery systems.