Nanofiber film dissolves in seconds to deliver three pain drugs at once

Cornell University researchers have developed an ultrafast-dissolving nanofiber film capable of delivering three pain medications simultaneously, with 90 percent of the drug formulation released in less than two seconds. The study, led by associate professor Tamer Uyar and former postdoctoral researcher Asli Celebioglu, was published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

The film uses hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, a starch-derived cyclic oligosaccharide, as its fiber matrix. Unlike many pharmaceutical polymers, cyclodextrin increases the water solubility and bioavailability of drugs while masking their bitter taste. Uyar's lab previously used the same material to remove microplastics from water.

Manufacturing relies on electrospinning, a commercially available process that draws ultrathin fibers from a water-based solution without organic solvents. The researchers describe this as a clean, green, and scalable production method.

The three-drug combination — acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), paracetamol, and caffeine — matches the ratio found in the commercial migraine treatment Excedrin. Doctoral student Mahmoud Aboelkheir helped characterize the complex interactions among the three drugs and the cyclodextrin matrix.

In dissolution tests, the breath-strip-like nanofiber film released 90 percent of its payload in under two seconds. A comparable powder formulation released only 30 percent in the same timeframe, and conventional tablets would take significantly longer.

The rapid release profile could benefit children, older adults, and anyone with difficulty swallowing pills. Uyar said the proof of concept opens the door to other multi-drug formulations beyond pain treatment.

The research demonstrates the first nanofiber system capable of releasing a triple-drug combination at such speed. Further work will explore additional drug pairings and therapeutic applications.

No clinical trial data or regulatory approvals were reported in the study; the work remains at the laboratory proof-of-concept stage.