Formulation, characterization and evaluation of minocycline hydrochloride loaded polyurethane/collagen nanofibers via electrospinning as wound dressings

Abstract

Objective It was aimed to formulate minocyline. HCI loaded electrospun polyurethane/collagen (PU/Col) and polyurethane/collagen/polycaprolactone (PU/Col/PCL) nanofibers are intended for use as a wound dressing. Methods The effect of polymer ratio and addition of PCL on the morphology, diameter, drug delivery, encapsulation efficiency, mechanical properties, antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, cytotoxicity, cell adhesion and proliferation were investigated. 3-(4,5-dimethyldiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to test the cytotoxicity of the nanofibers on the human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell line. Cell proliferation/adhesion was also determined by imaging HDF cells seeded on mats with scanning electron microscopy/fluorescence microscopy. Results All nanofibers were bead-free and smooth in the diameter range of 866.7–882.4 nm. They had favorable encapsulation efficiency (≥79.3%), controlled drug release up to 24 h and did not have cytotoxic effects. Although collagen was preferred for cell adhesion and proliferation, its spinnability and mechanical properties were poor. While PU improved the spinnability of collagen, its mechanical properties also enhanced with the addition of PCL. Nevertheless, all mats led to favorable cell adhesion and proliferation. All the nanofibers had antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion In conclusion, PU/Col and PU/Col/PCL nanofiber mats, which had favorable encapsulation efficiency, controlled drug release and antibacterial activity at least 24 h, cell viability, proliferation, adhesion, mechanical properties to be used as wound dressing, were successfully prepared.