Electrosprayed polymeric nanobeads and nanofibers of modafinil: preparation, characterization, and drug release studies

Modafinil (MDF) is used
orally for the treatment of attention-deficit/
hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. It holds
low solubility and high permeability; therefore,
improving its dissolution properties by preparing
nanoformulations can be a promising approach
to enhance its oral absorption. Our aims were
to prepare and characterize MDF-Eudragit®
RS100 (MDF-ERS) nanoparticles by electrospray
technique.
Methods: Electrosprayed nanoparticles were fabricated by varying MDF to ERS ratios and
concentrations. The formulations were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier-transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Release studies were performed on nanoparticles, physical mixtures,
and raw MDF. The release data were fitted to different models to understand the mechanism of
the drug release.
Results: Electrospraying of MDF and ERS solution resulted in the preparation of nonobeads or
nanofibers, and the particulate characteristics of the obtained products were largely controlled
by the polymer amount in the solution. PXRD and thermal analyses showed that MDF was an
amorphous phase in the structures of nanoparticles. Using FTIR, no interaction was observed
between MDF and ERS in nanoparticles. Nanoparticles showed biphasic release profiles and the
order of dissolution rates was: nanofibers>MDF>nanobeads. The well-fitted model was Weibull
model, indicating a Fickian diffusion as the main mechanism of release.
Conclusion: The results suggest that by optimization of variables such as solution concentration of
MDF-ERS nanofibers and nanobeads with higher dissolution rates can be made by electrospray.
Electrospray deposition as a simple, continuous, and surfactant free method is an excellent choice
for preparation of drug loaded polymeric nanoparticles.