Alginate is a promising biocompatible and biodegradable polymer for production of nanofibers for drug delivery and tissue engineering. However, alginate is difficult to electrospin due to its polyelectrolyte nature. The aim was to improve the ‘electrospinability’ of alginate with addition of exceptionally high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a co-polymer. The compositions of the polymer-blend solutions for electrospinning were varied for PEO molecular weight, total (alginate plus PEO) polymer concentration, and PEO proportion in the dry alginate–PEO polymer mix used. These were tested for rheology (viscosity, complex viscosity, storage and loss moduli) and conductivity, and the electrospun nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. One-parameter-at-a-time approach and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the polymer-blend solution composition to obtain defined nanofibers. Both approaches revealed that the major influence on nanofiber formation and diameter were total polymer concentration and PEO proportion. These polymer-blend solutions of appropriate conductivity and viscosity enabled fine-tuning of nanofiber diameter. PEO molecular weight of 2–4 million Da greatly improved the electrospinnability of alginate, producing nanofibers with >85% alginate. This study shows that RSM can be used to design nanofibers with optimal alginate and co-polymer contents to provide efficient scaffold material for regenerative medicine.

Aim: Delivery of the natural anti-inflammatory compound resveratrol with nanoemulsions can dramatically improve its tissue targeting, bioavailability and efficacy. Current assessment of resveratrol delivery efficacy is limited to indirect pharmacological measures. Molecular imaging solves this problem. Results/methodology: Nanoemulsions containing two complementary imaging agents, near-infrared dye and perfluoropolyether (PFPE), were developed and evaluated. Nanoemulsion effects on macrophage uptake, toxicity and NO production were also evaluated. The presence of PFPE did not affect nanoemulsion size, zeta potential, colloidal stability, drug loading or drug release. Conclusion: PFPE nanoemulsions can be used in future studies to evaluate nanoemulsion biodistribution without interfering with resveratrol delivery and pharmacological outcomes. Developed nanoemulsions show promise as a versatile treatment strategy for cancer and other inflammatory diseases.