Engineered CuO-GO Reinforced PVA/CS Electrospun Nanofibers with Enhanced Physicochemical, Hemocompatible, and Wound Healing Performance

Abstract

Wound management is a critical aspect of healthcare that demands the development of effective and innovative dressing materials. Yet, many conventional wound dressings exhibit significant limitations, such as poor healing efficacy, potential cytotoxicity, inadequate moisture retention, and insufficient mechanical strength, which collectively hinder optimal healing outcomes. To overcome these limitations, we developed a biodegradable nanofibrous mat composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) through electrospinning process. The resulting mat features a three-dimensional (3D) interconnected porous structure that offers a high surface-area-to-volume ratio and enhanced porosity, favorable for wound healing applications. To impart bioactivity, a copper oxide/graphene oxide (1:1 ratio) nanostructure was incorporated into the nanofibrous matrix. The CuO-GO composite was formed via ex-situ ultrasonic mixing, yielding spherical CuO NPs (~49 nm) uniformly distributed on GO nanosheets, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The CuO-GO-embedded PVA/CS nanofibrous mats were thermally crosslinked at 120 °C for 80 min to improve structural integrity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful incorporation of the nanocomposite, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform fiber morphology with diameters ranging from 116 to 290 nm, depending on CuO-GO loading (0-2 wt%). Mechanical testing demonstrated that CuO-GO incorporation enhanced tensile strength but decreased ductility. Additionally, the crosslinked mats showed reduced hydrophilicity and controlled degradation rates matching the wound healing process. Cytotoxicity assessments and hemocompatibility analysis determined the biocompatible concentration range of CuO-GO into the mat, guiding safe application dosages. In in vivo full-thickness wound healing studies, mats containing 2 wt% CuO-GO achieved over 95% of wound contraction within 14 days, significantly go beyond control samples. These findings accentuate the potential of the CuO-GOembedded PVA/CS nanofibrous mat as an effective therapeutic wound dressing that promotes enhanced skin regeneration, while its controlled degradation ensures the material breaks down soundly in line with the healing process.