Bioactive Electrospun Research Articles

Integrating an antimicrobial nanocomposite to bioactive electrospun fibers for improved wound dressing materials

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of electrospun poly (ε-caprolactone)/poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PCL/PVP) fibers integrated with a nanocomposite of chitosan, silver nanocrystals, and graphene oxide (ChAgG), aimed at developing advanced wound dressing materials. The ChAgG nanocomposite, recognized for its antimicrobial and biocompatible properties, was incorporated into PCL/PVP fibers through electrospinning techniques. We assessed the resultant fibers’ morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties, which exhibited significant enhancements in mechanical strength and demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against common bacterial pathogens. The findings suggest that the PCL/PVP-ChAgG fibers maintain biocompatibility and facilitate controlled therapeutic delivery, positioning them as a promising solution for managing chronic and burn-related wounds. This study underscores the potential of these advanced materials to improve healing outcomes cost-effectively, particularly in settings plagued by high incidences of burn injuries. Further clinical investigations are recommended to explore these innovative fibers’ full potential and real-world applicability.

Bioactive electrospun zein fibers integrated with ZnO nanoparticles: In vitro investigations

The objective of the current study was the fabrication and characterization of electrospun zein-ZnO fibers containing various concentrations of cumin essential oil (CEO) (0, 1, 2, and 3% (v/v)). The electrospinning solution's apparent viscosity, conductivity, and surface tension were measured. Also, the electrospun's morphological, color, encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, thermal stability, and release kinetic were investigated. The results represented that following the increase in CEO concentration, the conductivity and surface tension of the electrospinning solution changed from 182.92 μS/cm to 145.22 μS/cm and 19.52 mN/m to 22.35 mN/m, respectively. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the homogenous and free-bead structure of electrospun fibers. Besides, the diameter of fibers enhanced with a rise in CEO concentration from 217.13 nm to 321.67 nm. The finding estimated the maximum encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity at about 95.09% and 25.65%, respectively in electrospun containing the highest concentration of CEO (3%). CEO inclusion in electrospinning fibers augmented the value of contact angle, color difference, TPC, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The favorable interaction between the CEO ingredients and electrospinning fibers was confirmed through FTIR and XRD analysis. Furthermore, the incorption of CEO enhanced the thermal stability of fibers. Release kinetic in different simulant (aqueous, acidic, alkaline, and fatty) revealed that Fick's diffusion was the main release mechanism. The highest diffusion coefficient was observed in electrospun fibers containing 3% CEO in the fatty media simulant. These findings could present a new horizon into electrospinning fiber's application in various fields of medicine, tissue engineering, food, and pharmaceutical industry.

Smart and bioactive electrospun dressing for accelerating wound healing

The biosafe plant extract, rich in bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, significantly contributes to wound healing by promoting tissue repair and regeneration. However, the powdered forms of these extracts face several limitations including poor water solubility, limited release in vitro, and compromised waterproofing and breathability. This study successfully developed a smart and bioactive wound dressing through co-electrospinning hydrophobic polylactic acid-H. rhamnoides L. petroleum ether extract with hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol-Ag (PLAPEE/PVAAg). This innovative dressing exhibits robust properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities primarily derived from bioactive compounds in PEE and Ag nanoparticles decorated within PVA nanofibers respectively. Additionally, the dressing’s intelligent waterproofing, breathability, and interstitial fluid absorption create a moist environment that accelerates wound healing. Metabolomics analysis highlights the significance of glycolysis, the TCA cycle, arginine metabolism, linoleic acid/arachidonic acid metabolism, and glutaminolysis in wound healing. These enriched pathways not only stimulate extracellular matrix synthesis specifically collagen but also demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties while promoting angiogenesis thereby enhancing the wound healing process. As an innovative medical dressing, this smart bioactive solution holds immense potential for accelerating wound healing and tissue regeneration while paving a promising path for future advancements in personalized therapeutic strategies for enhanced wound care management.

Catecholamines polymerization crosslinking for alginate-based burn wound dressings developed with ciprofloxacin and zinc oxide interactions

There is an increasing demand for stable and durable wound dressings to treat burn injuries and infections. Bioactive electrospun nanofibrous mats with antibacterial properties are promising for wound dressing usage. Electrospinning of biopolymers for wound dressing applications needs post-spinning crosslinking to prevent mat dissolution in moist wound environments. Here, we prepared durable wound dressing by using the Dopamine (DA) polymerization crosslinking in Alginate (ALG)/Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous mats, which are developed by Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Zinc oxide (ZO). The nanofibrous mats were investigated by FESEM, FTIR, mechanical strength, water contact angle, degradation, degree of swelling, and WVTR tests. The analyses demonstrate the nanofibrous mats with uniform and unbranched fibers, with a hydrophilic nature, which was porous, durable, and stable. Also, it showed the CIP and ZO addition enhanced their durability by crosslinking reinforcement. In addition, the drug release and antibacterial assays demonstrated the pH-sensitive release with more drug release at higher pH (bacterial invasion) and impressive antibacterial activity (up to 99 %). In the burn wound model in rats, the ALG/PVA/DA/CIP/ZO nanofibrous mats displayed excellent wound healing ability in wound closure and tissue regeneration. Also, complete re-epithelization and remodeling and highest collagen synthesis in histological assessment.

Bioactive electrospun nanoyarn-constructed textile dressing patches delivering Chinese herbal compound for accelerated diabetic wound healing

The treatment of tenacious diabetic wounds still remains an enormous challenge in clinics, originated from the complicated pathological microenvironment of wound sites. Therefore, it's urgently required to develop one type of innovative dressing patch with appropriate microstructure and multifunctions to regulate the pathological microenvironment and promote the regeneration of diabetic wounds. In this study, novel gelatin (Gel)/poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofibrous yarns loading with or without Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge-Radix Puerariae herbal compound (SRHC) are fabricated by using our modified electrospinning strategy, which are further interlaced into nanofibrous woven fabrics respectively, serving as biofunctional dressing patches for potential diabetic wound treatment application. The actual photographs and SEM images confirm that all the different nanofibrous textiles with or without SRHC exhibit a uniform interwoven structure of warp and weft, and the internal nanofibers present bead-free morphology and uniaxially oriented structure along the longitudinal axis of nanofibrous yarns. Moreover, all the different nanofibrous woven fabrics are demonstrated to possess strong mechanical properties and great surface wettability. The in vitro cell characterization shows that the addition of SRHC can significantly promote the attachment and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and also dramatically inhibit the secretion levels of proinflammatory factors of M1 macrophages. The in vivo diabetic mouse full-thickness skin model experiments reveal that the as-developed SRHC-loaded Gel/PLLA nanofibrous textile shows the best performances referring to shorten wound healing time (100 % wound closure after 18 days of treatment) and high-quality regeneration (i.e., enhance collagen deposition, improve re-epithelialization and neovascularization, and increase hair follicles), which assuredly finds great interests serving as an innovative dressing patch for the treatment of hard-to-heal diabetic wounds.

Development of bioactive electrospun scaffolds suitable to support skin fibroblasts and release Lucilia sericata maggot excretion/secretion

Larval therapy has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of chronic wounds by promoting granulation tissue formation, due to its antimicrobial properties and by degrading necrotic tissue. However, the use of live maggots is problematic for patient acceptance, and thus there is a need to develop materials which can release therapeutic biomolecules derived from maggot secretions to the wound bed. Here we describe the fabrication of a novel bioactive scaffold that can be loaded with Lucilia sericata maggot alimentary excretion/secretion fluids (L. sericata maggot E/S), and which can also provide structural stability for mammalian cell-growth and migration to support wound repair. Electrospun scaffolds were prepared from a poly(caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)–block copolymer (PCL-b-PEG) blended with PCL with average fibre diameters of ~ 4 μm. The scaffolds were hydrophilic and were able to support viable fibroblasts that were able to infiltrate throughout the extent of the scaffold thickness. L. sericata maggot (E/S) was subsequently adsorbed to the surface and released over 21 days with retention of the protease activity that is responsible for supporting fibroblast migration. The incorporation of L. sericata maggot E/S on the surface of the electrospun fibres of PCL-PEG/PCL fibres is a novel approach with potential for future application to support skin wound healing within a clinical setting.

Fabrication and development of PVA/Alginate nanofibrous mats containing Arnebia Euchroma extract as a burn wound dressing

Burn wound healing is an essential challenge in global healthcare systems, and there is enormous demand for advanced wound dressings to treat burn injuries. Bioactive electrospun mats based on polymers with antimicrobial performance are promising options to prevent wound infections and accelerate the wound healing process. In this study, a nanofibrous mat composed of polyvinyl alcohol/Alginate (ALG)/Arnebia Euchroma (AE) extract was fabricated by electrospinning technique. Then the prepared mat was characterized for morphology and chemical composition. The analysis demonstrated the presence of AE extract in nanofibrous mats with a uniform and unbranched appearance and a fiber diameter of around 100–200 nm. Also, the mechanical properties investigation shows promising results and in range of human skin. In addition, weight loss and water uptake abilities, water contact angle, and antibacterial activity were measured to verify mat's potential for wound healing. The in vivo study on burn wounds revealed excellent wound healing ability of the mats containing both ALG and AE extract with 92.5% wound closure after 21 days via highest collagen synthesis, which re-epithelization and remodeling the burned skin. Consequently, PVA/ALG/AE nanofibrous mats can be used as a promising wound dressing treat burn injuries.

Sodium alginate nanofibers loaded Terminalia catappa scaffold regulates intrinsic apoptosis signaling in skin melanoma cancer

Drug delivery by nanofibrous scaffold is a promising approach for treating cancer disease. In this study, bioactive compounds were extracted from the medicinal plant Terminalia catappa and loaded into sodium alginate (SA) polymer to prepare a bioactive electrospun nanofibers. Initially, SA polymeric fibers alone was prepared by electrospinning approach and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD and SEM techniques. Further, the antioxidant properties of SA, TC, and TC loaded SA (SA@TC) were evaluated using DPPH assay and the results indicated that the SA@TC has good antioxidant activity than unloaded carrier. Further, the cytotoxic activity showed the SA and SA@TC has excellent inhibiting activity of human skin melanoma B16F10 cells. As prepared SA@TC scaffold increased the ROS generation in the mitochondria and damaged the nuclear of B16F10 cells. Further, the SA@TC scaffold increases the expression of apoptosis marker genes and proteins such as Bax, Cyt C, p21, p53, caspase 9 & 3. The LC-MS analysis indicated the presence of ten anticancer compounds in T. cattapa extract that could influence the anticancer activity. Hence, the prepared SA@TC scaffolds having the ability to inhibit the cancer cells through intrinsic apoptosis signaling and can be potential candidates for skin cancer treatment.

Bioactive Agent-Loaded Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Accelerating Healing Process: A Review.

Despite the advances that have been achieved in developing wound dressings to date, wound healing still remains a challenge in the healthcare system. None of the wound dressings currently used clinically can mimic all the properties of normal and healthy skin. Electrospinning has gained remarkable attention in wound healing applications because of its excellent ability to form nanostructures similar to natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Electrospun dressing accelerates the wound healing process by transferring drugs or active agents to the wound site sooner. This review provides a concise overview of the recent developments in bioactive electrospun dressings, which are effective in treating acute and chronic wounds and can successfully heal the wound. We also discuss bioactive agents used to incorporate electrospun wound dressings to improve their therapeutic potential in wound healing. In addition, here we present commercial dressings loaded with bioactive agents with a comparison between their features and capabilities. Furthermore, we discuss challenges and promises and offer suggestions for future research on bioactive agent-loaded nanofiber membranes to guide future researchers in designing more effective dressing for wound healing and skin regeneration.

Bioactive Electrospun Fibers of Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Incorporating α-Tocopherol for Food Packaging Applications.

Antioxidant activity is an important feature for food contact materials such as packaging, aiming to preserve freshness and retard food spoilage. Common bioactive agents are highly susceptible to various forms of degradation; therefore, protection is required to maintain functionality and bioavailability. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), a biodegradable GRAS labeled polymer, was used in this study for encapsulation of α-tocopherol antioxidant, a major component of vitamin E, in the form of electrospun fibers. Rheological properties of the fiber forming solutions, which determine the electrospinning behavior, were correlated with the properties of electrospun fibers, e.g., morphology and surface properties. Interactions through hydrogen bonds were evidenced between the two components. These have strong effect on structuration of macromolecular chains, especially at low α-tocopherol amounts, decreasing viscosity and elastic modulus. Intra-molecular interactions in PCL strengthen at high α-tocopherol amounts due to decreased solvation, allowing good structural recovery after cease of mechanical stress. Morphologically homogeneous electrospun fibers were obtained, with ~6 μm average diameter. The obtained fibers were highly hydrophobic, with fast release in 95% ethanol as alternative simulant for fatty foods. This induced good in vitro antioxidant activity and significant in vivo reduction of microbial growth on cheese, as determined by respirometry. Therefore, the electrospun fibers from PCL entrapping α-tocopherol as bioactive agent showed potential use in food packaging materials.

Sustained-release modeling of clove essential oil in brine to improve the shelf life of Iranian white cheese by bioactive electrospun zein

In this study, the sustained-release of clove essential oil (CEO) loaded into the structure of electrospun zein was used as a biopreservative to extend the shelf life of Iranian white cheese. CEO was loaded at levels of 5, 7.5, and 10% w/w in the structure of electrospun nanofibers. In this study, a concentration of 35% w/v zein was used to produce electrospun fibers, and in the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) it was observed that by increasing the loading of CEO from 5 to 10% w/w in the fiber structure, their diameter decreased from 517.96 ± 41.57 nm to 457.88 ± 32.45 nm. Although increasing the level of CEO reduced the diameter of the electrospun nanofibers, Young's modulus, tensile strength, and a higher level of CEO increased elongation at break of the films. The results of mechanical properties showed that by increasing the amount of CEO application in the structure of electrospun zein nanofibers from 5 to 10% w/w tensile strength from 8.18 ± 0.62 to 4.43 ± 0.86 MPa, and Young's modulus from 38.25 ± 2.81 to 27.25 ± 3.48 MPa decreased. Successful encapsulation of CEO in designed structures and the absence of adverse bonds between the encapsulant material (zein) and the core (CEO) were confirmed by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test. The in vitro sustained-release of the CEO in 8% w/v brine during 45 days of storage at 4 °C was modeled. The Fickian diffusion was the dominant release mechanism of the CEO and the Peppas-Sahlin model was the best model describing the essential oil release behavior. The electrospun films containing CEO were well able to suppress the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157: H7 in samples of Iranian white cheese kept in 8% brine for 45 days at 4 °C. The samples treated with the electrospun film containing 7.5% w/w of CEO had the highest acceptability among different treatments.

A review of medicinal plant-based bioactive electrospun nano fibrous wound dressings

In the early time, natural materials were used only to cover the wound but nowadays wound dressings contain functionalize materials to prevent infections, assist wound healing process, and improve skin restoration. Among dissimilar forms of wound dressings, electrospun nanofibrous wound dressings are the latest and promising ones due to their unique properties. These dressings have morphological similarity to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), high surface area to volume ratio, greater porosity, continuous and flexible nano structure fibers applicable for drug delivery systems which can approve tissue regeneration, wound fliuid transportation and ensure breathability for cellular growth and proliferation. This review provides a broad overview of latest medicinal plant incorporated bioactive electrospun nanofibrous wound dressing researches and developments. It also discussed the therapeutic properties of different traditional medicinal plants.

Bioactive Electrospun Fibers: Fabrication Strategies and a Critical Review of Surface-Sensitive Characterization and Quantification.

Fabricating a porous scaffold with high surface area has been a major strategy in the tissue engineering field. Among the many fabrication methods, electrospinning has become one of the cornerstone techniques due to its enabling the fabrication of highly porous fibrous scaffolds that are of natural or synthetic origin. Apart from the basic requirements of mechanical stability and biocompatibility, scaffolds are further expected to embody functional cues that drive cellular functions such as adhesion, spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. There are abundant distinct approaches to introducing bioactive molecules to have a control over cellular functions. However, the lack of a thorough understanding of cell behavior with respect to the availability and spatial distribution of the bioactive molecules in 3D fibrous scaffolds is yet to be addressed. The rational selection of proper sets of characterization techniques would essentially impact the interpretation of the cell-scaffold interactions. In this timely Review, we summarize the most popular methods to introduce functional compounds to electrospun fibers. Thereafter, the strength and limitations of the conventional characterization methods are highlighted. Finally, the potential and applicability of emerging characterization techniques such as high-resolution/correlative microscopy approaches are further discussed.

Bioactive electrospun nanocomposite scaffolds of poly(lactic acid)/cellulose nanocrystals for bone tissue engineering

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composite scaffolds were fabricated using an electrospinning technique to evaluate the influence of CNCs on the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of PLA. The scaffolds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A significant enhancement of the mechanical properties occurred in the composite scaffolds compared to pure polymer. This is due to the stronger interactions between the polymer chains and CNCs. The composite scaffolds exhibited higher thermal stability compared to pure polymer. Notably, excellent adhesion and proliferation was observed in the presence of the fabricated composite scaffolds, indicating their superior biocompatibility. Higher mineralization was noted on the surface of composite scaffolds. The fabricated scaffolds were significantly covered by the cultured cells and exhibited greater fluorescence intensity vis-à-vis control. Additionally, the fact that higher expression of osteogenic gene markers was observed in composite scaffolds confirms their enhanced osteogenic potential. The bone regeneration potential of the fabricated scaffold was monitored in a rat calvarial defect model after 3 weeks of treatment. The fabricated scaffold demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and superior osteoinductivity. Therefore, the fabricated scaffolds possess potential to be used as a biomaterial for tissue engineering applications.

Nanostructured Fibers Containing Natural or Synthetic Bioactive Compounds in Wound Dressing Applications.

The interest in wound healing characteristics of bioactive constituents and therapeutic agents, especially natural compounds, is increasing because of their therapeutic properties, cost-effectiveness, and few adverse effects. Lately, nanocarriers as a drug delivery system have been actively investigated and applied in medical and therapeutic applications. In recent decades, researchers have investigated the incorporation of natural or synthetic substances into novel bioactive electrospun nanofibrous architectures produced by the electrospinning method for skin substitutes. Therefore, the development of nanotechnology in the area of dressings that could provide higher performance and a synergistic effect for wound healing is needed. Natural compounds with antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity in combination with nanostructured fibers represent a future approach due to the increased wound healing process and regeneration of the lost tissue. This paper presents different approaches in producing electrospun nanofibers, highlighting the electrospinning process used in fabricating innovative wound dressings that are able to release natural and/or synthetic substances in a controlled way, thus enhancing the healing process.

Tendon ECM modified bioactive electrospun fibers promote MSC tenogenic differentiation and tendon regeneration

Proper niche environment is the key factor for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) involved tendon-lineage differentiation and regeneration. In the present study, soluble tendon derived extracellular matrix (sTECM) was used to modify aligned electrospun fibers with acid neutralizing effect in order to create an optimal niche environment for tendon regeneration, and its efficacy was evaluated using mouse MSC tenogenic differentiation in vitro and rat Achilles tendon regeneration in vivo. The results showed that sTECM modified ultrafine fibers were more cytocompatible and capable of inducing a predominant tenogenic phenotype of mouse MSCs with the enhanced expression of tendon markers including scleraxis, tenomodulin, collagen III, mohawk homeobox, decorin, fibromodulin and biglycan. By contrast, pure sTECM components led to enhanced multi-lineage differentiation of mouse MSCs including tenogenic lineage. This inductive effect was further enhanced when unilateral mechanical loading was applied in vivo. Moreover, the implantation of sTECM modified scaffold created an ideal niche environment including bioactive sTECM components, topological and mechanical signals, upon in vivo implantation for in situ tendon regeneration. As the results, sTECM modified scaffold in comparison with the non-modified one regenerated higher quality tendon tissue with the features of more mature tissue structure, better tissue organization, cell density and alignment as well as better collagen ultrastructure. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significantly bigger collagen fibril diameter, stronger mechanical property and better tissue grading score and higher expression levels of tenogenic markers when compared to those of control scaffold (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that sTECM modified pH-neutral ultrafine fibers may represent a novel bioactive scaffold for in situ tendon regeneration, which deserves further investigation in large animals.

Impact of UV sterilization and short term storage on the in vitro release kinetics and bioactivity of biomolecules from electrospun scaffolds

To effectively translate bioactive scaffolds into a preclinical setting, proper sterilization techniques and storage conditions need to be carefully considered, as the chosen sterilization technique and storage condition might affect the structural and mechanical properties of the scaffolds, as well as the bioactivity and release kinetics of the incorporated biomolecules. Since rarely tested or quantified, we show here in a proof-of-concept study how these parameters are affected by UV sterilization and one week storage at different temperatures using bioactive electrospun DegraPol scaffolds that were specifically designed for application in the field of tendon rupture repair. Even though UV sterilization and the different storage conditions did not impact the morphology or the physicochemical properties of the bioactive scaffolds, UV sterilization caused significant attenuation of the growth factor release kinetics, here platelet derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) release (by approx. 85%) and slight decrease in ascorbic acid release (by approx. 20%). In contrast, 4 °C and −20 °C storage did not have a major effect on the release kinetics of PDGF-BB, while storage at room temperature caused increase in PDGF-BB released. All storage conditions had little effect on ascorbic acid release. Equally important, neither UV sterilization nor storage affected the bioactivity of the released PDGF-BB, suggesting stability of the bioactive scaffolds for at least one week and showing potential for bioactive DegraPol scaffolds to be translated into an off-the-shelf available product. These parameters are expected to be scaffold and protein-dependent.

In vitro behavior of tendon stem/progenitor cells on bioactive electrospun nanofiber membranes for tendon-bone tissue engineering applications.

PurposeIn order to accelerate the tendon-bone healing processes and achieve the efficient osteointegration between the tendon graft and bone tunnel, we aim to design bioactive electrospun nanofiber membranes combined with tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) to promote osteogenic regeneration of the tendon and bone interface.MethodsIn this study, nanofiber membranes of polycaprolactone (PCL), PCL/collagen I (COL-1) hybrid nanofiber membranes, poly(dopamine) (PDA)-coated PCL nanofiber membranes and PDA-coated PCL/COL-1 hybrid nanofiber membranes were successfully fabricated by electrospinning. The biochemical characteristics and nanofibrous morphology of the membranes, as well as the characterization of rat TSPCs, were defined in vitro. After co-culture with different types of electrospun nanofiber membranes in vitro, cell proliferation, viability, adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of TSPCs were evaluated at different time points.ResultsAmong all the membranes, the performance of the PCL/COL-1 (volume ratio: 2:1 v/v) group was superior in terms of its ability to support the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of TSPCs. No benefit was found in this study to include PDA coating on cell adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of TSPCs.ConclusionThe PCL/COL-1 hybrid electrospun nanofiber membranes are biocompatible, biomimetic, easily fabricated, and are capable of supporting cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of TSPCs. These bioactive electrospun nanofiber membranes may act as a suitable functional biomimetic scaffold in tendon-bone tissue engineering applications to enhance tendon-bone healing abilities.

The Controlled Release of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate from Bioactive Electrospun PCL/Gelatin Nanofiber Scaffold.

In this study, a system of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEXP)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles embedded in poly-ε-caprolacton (PCL) and gelatin electrospun nanofiber scaffold was introduced with potential therapeuticapplicationfortreatment of the nervous system. Besides anti-inflammatory properties, DEXP act through its glucocorticoid receptors, which are involved in the inhibition of astrocyte proliferation and microglial activation. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to improve the encapsulation efficiency of DEXP within chitosan nanoparticles and to overcome its initial burst release. BSA incorporation within the chitosan nanoparticles increased the encapsulation efficiency of DEXP from 30% to 77%. The comparison between DEXP release profile from PCL/gelatin scaffold with and without chitosan nanoparticles revealed that the system of DEXP-BSA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles embedded in electrospun PCL nanofiber scaffold provided a more controlled release pattern of the loaded drug. The scaffolds properties in terms of structure, hydrophilicity, cell compatibility, mechanical property, and biodegradability were further investigated, which might show its potential application for the repair of spinal cord injury.

Electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) matrices containing silver sulfadiazine complexed with β-cyclodextrin as a new pharmaceutical dosage form to wound healing: preliminary physicochemical and biological evaluation.

Cooperation between researchers in the areas of medical, pharmaceutical and materials science has facilitated the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms that elicit therapeutic effects and protective action with a single product. In addition to optimizing pharmacologic action, such dosage forms provide greater patient comfort and increase success and treatment compliance. In the present work, we prepared semipermeable bioactive electrospun fibers for use as wound dressings containing silver sulfadiazine complexed with β-cyclodextrin in a poly(Ɛ-caprolactone) nanofiber matrix aiming to reduce the direct contact between silver and skin and to modulate the drug release. Wound dressings were prepared by electrospinning, and were subjected to ATR-FT-IR and TG/DTG assays to evaluate drug stability. The hydrophilicity of the fibrous nanostructure in water and PBS buffer was studied by goniometry. Electrospun fibers permeability and swelling capacity were assessed, and a dissolution test was performed. In vitro biological tests were realized to investigate the biological compatibility and antimicrobial activity. We obtained flexible matrices that were each approximately 1.0 g in weight. The electrospun fibers were shown to be semipermeable, with water vapor transmission and swelling indexes compatible with the proposed objective. The hydrophilicity was moderate. Matrices containing pure drug modulated drug release adequately during 24 h but presented a high hemolytic index. Complexation promoted a decrease in the hemolytic index and in the drug release but did not negatively impact antimicrobial activity. The drug was released predominantly by diffusion. These results indicate that electrospun PCL matrices containing β-cyclodextrin/silver sulfadiazine inclusion complexes are a promising pharmaceutical dosage form for wound healing.