Electrospinning of peanut protein isolate/poly-L-lactic acid nanofibers containing tetracycline hydrochloride for wound healing

Abstract

In the present study, we explored the feasibility of using electrospinning technology to prepare tetracycline-hydrochloride (TCH)-containing peanut protein isolate/poly-L-lactic acid (TCH/PPI/PLLA) nanofiber membranes as a new type of wound dressing. PPI was prepared using the alkali-dissolved acid precipitation method, and PPI/PLLA nanofibers containing TCH at mass loadings of 5%, 10%, and 15% were prepared by electrospinning. The resultant nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and comprehensive thermal analysis. Furthermore, the wettability, mechanical properties, and drug release efficacy of the TCH/PPI/PLLA nanofibers were evaluated, and their effect on Staphylococcus aureus and mouse skin fibroblasts were investigated. A mouse-skin wound model was established to assess the healing effect of TCH/PPI/PLLA nanofibers. The results revealed that TCH exists in the nanofibers in an amorphous state, and that the addition of TCH has no observable effect on the morphology of the nanofiber membrane. As the TCH content increases, the fiber diameter decreases, while the mechanical strength and wettability of the membranes increase. TCH/PPI/PLLA composite nanofibers provide a significant initial release of TCH, and the release mechanism of TCH appears to be Fick's diffusion. The hemolysis rates of the electrospun PLLA nanofibers, PPI/PLLA composite nanofibers, and drug-loaded PPI/PLLA nanofibers are all below 5%. TCH retains its anticoagulant effect when composited with the PPI/PLLA composite nanofibers and exhibits low toxicity to cells. The PPI/PLLA nanofiber membrane loaded with TCH has an inhibitory effect on S. aureus and E. coli，and promotes skin-wound healing in mice. Therefore, TCH/PPI/PLLA nanofiber membranes prepared by electrospinning technology show promise as a next-generation wound dressing material.