Antimicrobial core–shell electrospun nanofibers containing Ajwain essential oil for accelerating infected wound healing

Abstract

Treatment of skin injuries is still facing major challenges, such as chronicity and infections, particularly those caused by multi-drug resistance pathogens. An effective treatment of such wounds should accelerate the wound healing process while preventing bacterial contamination. Here, a novel core–shell nanofiber mat was fabricated comprising gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol (as a core) and aloe vera/arabinose/polyvinylpyrrolidone (as a shell) for accelerating the healing process of bacteria-infected wounds. Trachyspermum Ammi (Ajwain) essential oil (EO), as a potent and natural antimicrobial agent against microorganisms, was incorporated into the core of nanofiber mats using coaxial electrospinning. The microscopy images demonstrated the successful fabrication of the core–shell structure with a uniform fiber size of 564 ± 106.35 nm. Moreover, Ajwain EO-loaded nanofiber mat (core–shell/EO) provided excellent antimicrobial activity and antioxidant ability. The in vitro and ex vivo release of Ajwain EO from the fabricated nanofiber mat corroborated a prolonged release profile. Furthermore, in vivo antibacterial activity, wound closure, and histomorphological examinations showed the high efficacy of the core–shell/EO mat in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus-infected full-thickness rat wounds compared to standard control treatment with a gauze. Overall, these results represent the core–shell/EO mat's potential as a newly developed wound dressing for bacteria-infected full-thickness skin injuries.