Bioactive composite Janus nanofibrous membranes loading Ciprofloxacin and Astaxanthin for enhanced healing of full-thickness skin defect wounds

Abstract

In this paper, skin-inspired multilayer Janus composite nanofibrous membranes with superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity as a wound dressing were designed and prepared to manage and utilize the exudates. Wettability, morphology, in-vitro release, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and healing effect were investigated. Animal experiment and histological analysis confirmed the composite membranes were more effective in improving the healing of full-thickness defect wound, the growth of collagen fibers and collagen deposition. The four-layer composite membranes include the drug-loading layer containing Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Astaxanthin (ATX) with superhydrophilic surface for self-pumping and drugs backflow, the hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride layer for delaying the exudates loss, and the superhydrophobic coating with self-cleaning properties for avoiding adhesion of foreign microorganisms. The exudates were absorbed into the composite membrane and locked in the nanofiber network to avoid dehydration of the wound, meanwhile, CIP and ATX were delivered to the wound bed to effectively inhibit bacterial growth and stimulate tissue regeneration. These results demonstrate that skin-inspired Janus composite nanofibrous membrane is a promising wound dressing for promoting full-thickness skin defect wound healing, displaying its great potential applications in skin tissue engineering.