Concurrent electrospinning of microporous metal-organic framework-laden casein/PVA nanofibrous composites for potential antibacterial wound dressing applications

Abstract

This study describes the fabrication of electrospun casein/PVA nanofibers containing metal-organic framework (MOF) with antibacterial and hemostatic properties. Different amounts of MOF particles (1–5 wt.%) were incorporated into casein/PVA nanofibers through a concurrent electrospinning technique. The surface property, structure, and morphology of fabricated nanofibrous composites were characterized by different techniques, including field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. The results revealed the formation of uniform and bead-free nanofibers with an average diameter between 80 and 150 nm. It is shown that the MOF addition during the electrospinning of casein/PVA nanofibers enhances the wettability properties and hemostatic performance. The highest hydrophilicity was obtained for casein/PVA-MOF-1% with a contact angle of about 42°. Blood clotting time results revealed the significant role of MOF in the shortening of the clotting time, beneficial from the porous nature of MOF and the hydrophilic nature of casein/PVA-MOF nanofibrous composites. Additionally, the casein/PVA-MOF nanofibrous composites exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, thanks to the presence of zinc-based MOF. The results of this study suggest that the developed casein/PVA-MOF nanofibrous composite can be considered an excellent candidate for utilization in hemostatic wound dressing applications.