The Effect of Impregnated Alpha-Cellulose Nanofibers with Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride on Staphylococcus aureus In Vitro and Healing Process of Wound in Rat

Abstract

Production of dressings is one of the most important applications for antibacterial polymers. Hence, after conducting various research on biocompatible and natural polymers, wheat bran was selected as a cellulose-based biocompatible agricultural waste product. An analytical and descriptive study was performed following preparation of alpha-cellulose nanofiber using electrospinning and impregnation with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride; the cellulose disks were prepared from nanofiber containing the drug. Then, these disks were placed on Staphylococcus aureus medium together with standard disks and paper disks (without antibiotics) and the results were measured as inhibition zone after 24 h. The concentration of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride adsorbed in cellulose was determined by comparing the effects of cellulose disks containing different concentrations of antibiotics and standard ciprofloxacin disks. Both disks (alpha-cellulose nanofibers and paper) containing ciprofloxacin hydrochloride created the inhibition zones on S. aureus medium. The experiment was continued on rats to confirm its ability as a dressing to absorb and release antibiotic ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. The wound dimensions were measured using digital imaging. The results of the healing process over 5 days were analyzed by ANOVA and pathology tests. Textile industry is closely related with hygiene of people with any age and social class. One of the common natural fibers of this industry is cellulosic fibers. Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide of the nature which can substitute many non-renewable raw materials. Regarding reduction of cotton cultivation and its substitution with soya or corn whose economic efficiency is higher, researchers started to search for new resources for fiber generation. Shortening the time of wound improvement is also an important concern of medicine. Since the cover must be biocompatible and induce no toxic effect toward biologic agents, various tests have been conducted to produce multipolymer nanofiber scaffolds, especially a combination of natural and synthetic polymers, for medical use, to provide suitable condition for different stages of wound treatment. Although, protection of the wound from infection is one of the reasons for using a wound dressing, acceleration of wound healing process is the main goal. Noticing the unique characteristics of alpha-cellulose nanofibers as a dressing and its proven ability in absorption and release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, the prospects are seen for production of antibiotics containing dressing of this natural product in the future.