PEDOT: PSS‐Based Microfluidic‐Spun Microfibers for Tunable Release of Acetaminophen via Electrical Stimulation

Abstract Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is effective in alleviating patient's pain and reduces frequent administration. Realizing tunable drug release on fibers/fabrics is important for constructing TDDS platform with good skin affinity and long‐term comfortability. Herein, a conductive fiber consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone/sodium alginate/ acetaminophen/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) (PVP/SA/AAP/PEDOT: PSS, PSAP) is fabricated by core‐shell microfluidic spinning technology for the controllable release of AAP, a typical pain reliever. Incorporation of conductive fillers endows fibers with microcracks that are responsive to electrical stimulation for promoting drug diffusion and release. The release rate of AAP in simulated body fluid can be improved from 70.81% to 92.07% under electric stimulation, demonstrating a regulable release process enabled by tunable fiber conductivity and applied voltage (0–1.5 V). The drug release kinetic model reveals Fickian diffusion dominates the release process of AAP that generates local concentration difference in the microcracked PSAP fiber with electrical stimulation. This work proposes an accurate fabrication strategy of fibers‐based TDDS that is promising for wearable biomedical electronics and self‐powered on‐demand drug delivery systems.