Electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)/silver nanoparticle nanofibrous scaffolds with antibacterial activity for wound-dressing applications

Abstract

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-based nanofibers are widely used in biomedical applications for their broad-spectrum activity and biocompatibility. This study aims to biofabricate and characterize electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers loaded with biosynthesized AgNPs, with the goal of evaluating their structural properties and antibacterial effectiveness for potential use in antibacterial wound-dressing applications. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was achieved using an aqueous extract of Piper nigrum leaves. Nanocomposite membranes at different AgNP concentrations (0.04, 0.4, and 1 wt%) were prepared to investigate their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. Morphological characterization confirmed bead-free, continuous fiber formation, with reduced fiber diameters upon increasing AgNP content. AFM results revealed enhanced surface roughness. FTIR spectra indicated improved hydrophilicity and successful chemical incorporation of AgNPs. Mechanical testing demonstrated increased tensile strength at 0.4 wt% AgNPs, followed by a decline due to nanoparticle agglomeration at 1 wt%. Contact angle measurements confirmed a significant shift toward hydrophilicity with higher AgNP concentrations. Antibacterial assays revealed strong inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with the 1 wt% AgNP scaffold producing the most prominent zones of inhibition. These results suggest that PCL-AgNP nanofibers are a promising antibacterial platform for biomedical applications, particularly as infection–preventive wound-dressing materials.