Thiram/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex electrospun nanofibers for a fast dissolving water-based drug delivery system

The electrospinning of thiram/hydroxypropyl- β -cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanofiber (thiram/HP β CD-IC-NF) was produced for establishing a quick dissolving water-based drug delivery system. As a dithiocarbamate broad-spectrum fungicide, thiram is insoluble in water. High-concentration HP β CD solutions (180 %, w/v) were applied in thiram/HP β CD systems to implement electrospinning with no extra polymer matrix added. The formation of thiram/HP β CD-IC-NF was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction as well as nuclear magnetic resonance. Phase solubility study proved HP β CD played a huge role in the improvement in solubility of thiram, and thiram/HP β CD-IC-NF showed an excellent dissolution rate. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the configuration of surface of thiram/HP β CD-IC-NF, which exhibited that thiram/HP β CD-IC-NF was uniform and beadless. In addition, thiram/HP β CD-IC-NF exhibited better antifungal activity and thermal stability than pure thiram. In summary, thiram/HP β CD-IC-NF drug delivery system contributed to water solubility, thermal stability and antifungal activity of thiram. It could provide a new idea for the development of new formulations of rapidly dissolving green pesticides, and made efforts to promote the sustainable development of agriculture.