The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to develop a platformfor controlled drug delivery based on silk fibroin (SF) and to\r\nexplore the feasibility of using SF in oral drug delivery. The SF-containing matrixes were prepared via spray-drying and film casting,\r\nand the release profile of the model drug naproxen sodium was evaluated. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared\r\nspectroscopy (FTIR) has been used to observe conformational changes in SF- and drug-containing compositions. SF-based films,\r\nspray-dried microparticles, and matrixes loaded with naproxen were prepared. Both FTIR spectra and in vitro dissolution data\r\ndemonstrated that SF �Ÿ-sheet conformation regulates the release profile of naproxen. The controlled release characteristics of the\r\nSF-containing compositions were evaluated as a function of SF concentration, temperature, and exposure to dehydrating solvents.\r\nThe results suggest that SF may be an attractive polymer for use in controlled drug delivery systems.
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