Polycaprolactone nanofibers loaded with 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol for in vitro and vivo antitumor activity study

In this work, 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD) loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were successfully fabricated by electrospinning technique using tween-80 as a solubilizer. Firstly, smooth and continuous nanofibers were collected by using suitable solvent and appropriate spinning conditions. Secondly, nanofiber mats were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mechanical test. Finally, nanofibrous membranes were evaluated using water contact angle, in vitro drug release, biodegradation test, in vitro and vivo antitumor activity and cell apoptosis assay. As a result, scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that diameter of the drug-loaded nanofibers increased with drug concentration increasing. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and mechanical test showed nanofibers equipped with great thermal and mechanical properties. Biodegradation test exhibited that the structure of fabricated...