In vitro biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and release behavior of halloysite nanotubes loaded with diclofenac sodium salt incorporated in electrospun soy protein isolate/hydroxyethyl cellulose nanofibers

Abstract

• SPI/HEC nanofibers loaded with DS and HNT were fabricated using PVA as carrier. • FTIR and XRD confirmed inclusion of DS and HNT in nanofibers. • Drug loading do not adversely affect the biocompatibility of composite mats. • HNT inclusion resulted in a sustained drug release over 14 days. Wound healing is a complicated process with overlapping stages, and a suitable supporting environment is required to accelerate the healing process. The fabrication of wound dressings with antibiotic, antibacterial, and sustained drug release properties is necessary in wound care. Herein, we report the fabrication of soy protein isolate/hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) nanofibrous mats loaded with diclofenac sodium (DS) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) for sustained delivery and antibacterial applications. The morphology of the nanofibers was uniform and smooth, with an average diameter of ∼450 nm after cross-linking. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the inclusion of DS and HNT in the nanofibers. The inclusion of HNTs improved the surface wettability properties of the composite nanofibers. Loading DS into the HNTs resulted in the sustained release of DS over 14 days. In vitro biocompatibility analysis showed that loading DS into the composite nanofibers had no adverse effects on their biocompatibility, which was confirmed by the non-cytotoxic nature of the composite nanofibers in lactate dehydrogenase and WST-1 assays. The drug-loaded nanofibers were effective against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis . These fabricated nanofibrous mats with sustained antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility have great potential for applications in wound care.