# In Vitro Testing of Ibrutinib-Loaded Electrospun Nanofibers for Potential Use as a Transdermal Patch Material

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a new transdermal patch using nanofibers to deliver ibrutinib for breast cancer treatment, showing promising drug release and cell toxicity results.

## Contribution

A novel electrospun nanofiber material for transdermal delivery of ibrutinib with controlled release and targeted cytotoxicity is developed.

## Key findings

- PCL-P(Arg)/IBR nanofibers showed increased hydrophilicity, porosity, and swelling capacity due to P(Arg) addition.
- Sustained ibrutinib release was observed at pH 5.5 and pH 7.4, following Fickian and anomalous transport mechanisms.
- The nanofibers significantly reduced MCF-7 breast cancer cell viability in vitro.

## Abstract

Breast cancer is a malignancy that originates in the
epithelial
cells of breast tissue, presenting a considerable challenge to the
physical and mental health of women worldwide. This disease remains
a prominent concern in public health and medical research, necessitating
ongoing attention for effective management and treatment. In this
study, a novel drug delivery material was developed by using ibrutinib
(IBR)-loaded electrospun polycaprolactone/poly-l-arginine
(PCL-P­(Arg)) nanofibers (ENs) for breast cancer treatment. The system
aims to improve site-specific delivery near breast tissue through
localized and controlled drug release, offering potential advantages
over conventional administration routes. The fabricated PCL-P­(Arg)/IBR
ENs were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy
Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis,
a swelling test, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) measurements.
Drug release profiles were evaluated under in vitro conditions at pH 5.5 (the endosomal pH of cancer cells and skin
pH range of 4–5.5) and pH 7.4 (the physiological pH). The results
showed that adding P­(Arg) significantly increased the ENs’
hydrophilicity, porosity, and swelling capacity. Sustained IBR release
was observed at both pH values. The Korsmeyer–Peppas model
best explained the release kinetics and demonstrated Fickian and anomalous
transport mechanisms. In vitro cytotoxicity studies
using the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line revealed that PCL-P­(Arg)/IBR
ENs significantly reduced cell viability compared to the control group
(IBR-unloaded ENs). These findings suggest that PCL-P­(Arg)/IBR ENs
provide controlled release, favorable physicochemical properties,
and targeted cytotoxicity, representing a promising patch for the
treatment of breast cancer.