Encapsulation of thiabendazole in hydroxypropyl‐ β ‐cyclodextrin nanofibers via polymer‐free electrospinning and its characterization

BACKGROUND Thiabendazole (TBZ) is a poorly water‐soluble benzimidazole fungicide. However, the water solubility of TBZ can be significantly enhanced by inclusion complexation with cyclodextrins. In this study, a thiabendazole/hydroxypropyl‐ β ‐cyclodextrin (TBZ/HP β CD) complex was synthesized and electrospinning was performed to produce a TBZ/HP β CD nanofibrous (TBZ/HP β CD‐NF) complex that improved water solubility and antifungal activity. RESULTS The formation of TBZ/HP β CD‐NF was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance. The morphology of TBZ/HP β CD‐NF was studied by scanning electron microscopy. A phase solubility experiment showed that HP β CD exerted a great solubilization effect on TBZ, and TBZ/HP β CD‐NF had better antifungal activity compared to that of TBZ alone. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the solid fungicidal nanodispersion prepared in the present study is a new type of formulation that can enhance the water solubility of TBZ. This formulation, which demonstrated potential as a new fast dissolving formulation type with increased efficacy, is expected to be conducive to the sustainable development of agriculture. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry