Research Information System
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol.142, no.44, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study explores the optimization of electrospun Eudragit L100 (EL100) fibers by examining how fiber morphology (random vs. aligned), core–shell architecture, and solvent systems influence their physicochemical and degradation behavior. Fibers were produced using ethanol (EtOH) or methanol (MeOH) with dimethylformamide (DMF) as a co-solvent, at varying polymer concentrations and solvent ratios. DMF incorporation improved electrospinnability, enabling smooth, bead-free fibers at ≥ 15 wt% polymer content, whereas higher concentrations (25 wt%) yielded ribbon-like structures due to delayed solvent evaporation. Aligned fibers, obtained via rotating collector, showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties, with tensile strength and elastic modulus values up to 10-fold greater than those of random fibers. Swelling and degradation behavior, tested in pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4 media, revealed structure-dependent stability: aligned and thicker fibers resisted degradation, whereas thinner, random fibers degraded more rapidly. Core–shell fibers containing chitosan or guar gum exhibited greater swelling (119%–122%) and potential for improved drug loading. In vitro release studies using methylene blue demonstrated low release in acidic medium and structure-dependent release at intestinal pH. These findings highlight the importance of structural design in tailoring EL100-based fibers for biomedical applications such as colon-targeted drug delivery and bioresorbable scaffolds.