Preparation and Characterization of Self-assembly Vesicle of Icariin Nanofiber

OBJECTIVE To improve the compatibility and absorption properties of icariin in vivo by preparing electrospun icariin nanofiber and forming self-assembly nano-vesicles. METHODS Solubility test in solvent was performed to screen suitable solvent system. Icariin nanofibers was prepared by electrospinning. SEM and TEM were used to observe fiber membrane surface and self-assembly vehicle morphology respectively. XRD, DSC and IR were applied to characterize the drug-loaded nanofilber. RESULTS Methanol and dimethylacetamide were selected as the solvent mixture for providing good solubility and formation of drug-loaded fiber. The electron scan microscope showed that diameter of fiber was (400-600 nm) and the fiber surface was smooth without drug absorption. The polymers were well compatible with drug. Hydrogen bonds played a key interaction between drug and polymers. Nano-vehicle was self-assembled by dispersing the drug-loaded nanofiler into water. CONCLUSION Preparation of icariin nanofiber membrane by electrospinning was simple and icariin was highly dispersed in nanofiberse in amorphous form. Nanofibers can be self-assembled in water to form nano-vehicles.