Preparation and Characterization of Fenofibric Acid-Loaded Electrospun Fibrous Mats

Abstract

Fenofibric acid-loaded microfibrous mats were produced by electrospinning using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a carrier polymer. Fenofibric acid, obtained through alkaline hydrolysis of fenofibrate, was incorporated into PVP solutions and processed under optimized electrospinning conditions to obtain uniform, defect-free fibers. The morphology and average fiber diameter were examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealing homogeneous, continuous fibers. Thermal analysis revealed the disappearance of the characteristic melting endotherm of fenofibric acid following electrospinning, indicating a substantial alteration in its thermal behavior within the polymer matrix. In vitro dissolution tests in artificial saliva showed a markedly enhanced release rate of fenofibric acid from the fibrous mats compared with the pure crystalline form, indicating a significant improvement in apparent solubility. These findings highlight the potential of PVP-based electrospun fiber formulation as an efficient carrier for the active metabolite of fenofibrate.