Novel core-shell fiber delivery system for synergistic treatment of cervical cancer

Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids (GLT) possess advantageous characteristics including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. In this study, a drug loaded core-shell fibrous system was engineered using the coaxial electrospinning method. The core comprised polycaprolactone and GTL whilst the shell contained polyethylene oxide with anti-cancer drug methotrexate. The morphology and structure, chemical composition, biocompatibility and in vitro release profile of the encapsulated GLT was assessed. Scanning electron microscopy images showed cylindrical fibers were developed whilst fluorescence microscopy confirmed the successful formation of core-shell fibers. Increasing GLT concentration from 2 wt% to 6 wt% resulted in an increase in mean fiber diameter from 2.29 ± 1.26 μm to 4.65 ± 2.30 μm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis all confirmed that both drugs were encapsulated in amorphous form while contact angle hysteresis showed engineered fibres to possess good hydrophilicity. In vitro drug release tests indicated the release of methotrexate (R² = 0.9941) and GLT (R² = 0.9924) were controlled by Fick Diffusion. In vitro cell culture experiments proved that the combined use of traditional Chinese medicine and current western medicine has good application prospects in the treatment of cervical cancer.