Development of Mucoadhesive Nanofiber Platform Using Eudragit® E100 for Vaginal Application

Electrospun nanofibers represent an excellent alternative to classical vaginal dosage forms due to flexibility, high loading capacity, high mucoadhesive strength and enhanced patient compliance. Eudragit®s, which are synthetic polymers composed of methacrylate monomers, are preferred for vaginal drug delivery. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate Eudragit®-based nanofiber formulations for vaginal drug delivery. Nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning. Eudragit® E100 at varying polymer concentrations dissolved in an ethanol:dimethylformamide mixture (7:3, v/v). The polymer solutions were characterized in terms of surface tension, viscosity, and electrical conductivity. Thermal behavior of both the raw polymer and the nanofiber formulations was analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Surface wettability was assessed by contact angle measurements using an optical tensiometer. The mechanical strength and mucoadhesive properties of the nanofibers were evaluated using a texture analyzer. The viscosity, surface tension and conductivity of the polymer solutions were found to be suitable for electrospinning. All formulations had hydrophobic properties. Mechanical properties of formulations were increased with increasing polymer concentration. Formulation E4 exhibited the highest mucoadhesion value among all tested formulations, clearly demonstrating to adhere to the mucosal surface. It was seen that Eudragit-based formulations may be a potential platform for vaginal application.