Zinc-Based Metal Organic Framework Loaded-Electrospun PVA/PEO/L-Arginine Nanofibers as Efficient Antimicrobial Scaffolds for Burn Skin Wound Healing: Zn-MOF Synthesis and Spinning Conditions

Abstract

Burns represent a significant health challenge, causing extensive skin damage and necessitating advanced wound care strategies. This study explores the development of electrospun NFs composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/ polyethylene oxide (PEO)/L-arginine, with/without loading zinc-based metal-organic frameworks (Zn-MOF). The synthesized Zn-MOF and the composite nanofiber were fully examined by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses. Meanwhile, incorporation effect of PEO to PVA NFs enhanced the mechanical strength of nanofibers, while incorporation Zn-MOFs enhanced antimicrobial activity of nanofibers. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy vs.Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae), and the yeast e.g. Candida albicans, with the highest inhibition observed in with (PVA/PEO/L-Arg/10%Zn MOF formulation). In vivo evaluation using a rat burn model revealed a significant accelerated wound healing, enhanced epidermal regeneration, increased wound contraction percentage, and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in Zn-MOF-treated groups. Histopathological analysis confirmed superior tissue regeneration and reduced inflammation, particularly at nanofiber containing high Zn-MOF concentrations. These findings indicate that Zn-MOF-loaded PVA/PEO/L-Arg nanofibers are promising candidates for the effective treatment of burn wounds, offering both antimicrobial protection and improved tissue healing.