Synthesis and fabrication of amine functionalized SBA-15 incorporated PVA/Curcumin nanofiber for skin wound healing application

Abstract

In any skin wound, the wound bed present on vitalized tissues serves as a reservoir for bacterial growth. Nanoscaffolds modified with amine functional groups due to their ability to interact with the cellular structure, is a promising alternative to combat the controversies faced with existing wound closure methods. The present study deals with the design and fabrication of electrospun amine-functionalized SBA-15 (Santa Barbara Amorphous) incorporated with PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol) and Curcumin, a plant-derived phytochemical compound, known for its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and skin wound healing properties. Amine functionalized SBA-15 with its high porosity and biocompatible characteristics enhance the solubility of the hydrophobic drug Curcumin, further aiding its release in a controlled manner. SEM images of nanofibrous scaffolds depicts the highly interconnected fibers with porous structure bio-mimicking the Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM). Results of antibacterial activity against the gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Bacillus subtilis exhibits a distinct zone of inhibition. Cell migration, cell proliferation, and biocompatibility of the prepared nanoscaffold is investigated through MTT assay, cell adhesion assay and live dead assay using Swiss 3T6 cells. Amine functionalized SBA-15 incorporated PVA nanofibrous scaffolds exhibits enhanced in vitro cyto-compatibility. Bio-compatibility studies investigated through in vivo analysis using female Wistar rats reveal 98% of wound contraction with scar-less wound healing for the amine-functionalized SBA-15 incorporated nanoscaffolds within 18 days. Results of histopathology analysis through Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson’s tri-chrome staining confirm re-epithelization of tissue, formation of granulation tissue and collagen. Thus, the PVA/NH2-SBA-15(5%)/Cur nanofibrous scaffold with positive charge interacts with negative charge on the cellular surface exhibiting enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation which further accelerates the wound healing process.