Characterization and Anti-Gastric Ulcer Effect of the Electrospun Nanofibers CS/PEG/PLA Loaded with the Mixture of Curcumin, Berberine, and Rotundine

Objectives: This study aimed to fabricate electrospun nanofibers composed of biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic polymers: chitosan (CS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polylactic acid (PLA), loaded with a combination of three active compounds: curcumin (Cur), berberine (Ber), and rotundine (Rot), for potential gastro-protective applications. Methods: The optimal ratio of curcumin, berberine, and rotundine was determined based on in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assays. The nanofibers were produced using the electrospinning method. Their morphological, chemical, mechanical, and wettability properties, as well as their drug release property and anti-gastric ulcer effect, were subsequently investigated. Results: The electrospun nanofibers CS/PEG/PLA loaded with 9% of a Cur/Ber/Rot mixture (50:10:40, w/w/w) were successfully fabricated, with an average diameter of 261 ± 88 nm. The nanofibers exhibited low mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 2.31 ± 0.17 MPa and an elongation at break of 1.55 ± 0.61%. They were also found to be hydrophilic, with a contact angle of 73.9 ± 1.1°. The drug release study showed that after 72 h, a total of 86% of rotundine, 79% of curcumin, and 59% of berberine had been released from the nanofibers. The acute toxicity study demonstrated that the nanofibers were safe and non-toxic at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg/day, the nanofibers significantly reduced the severity of gastric ulcers in rats with ethanol-induced gastritis. Conclusion: These findings suggest the nanofibers CS/PEG/PLA/Cur/Ber/Rot 9% may serve as a promising candidate for the treatment of gastric disorders.