Antibacterial electrospun nanofibrous mats fabricated from polycaprolactone, gelatin and Synedrella nodiflora extract for biomedical applications

Abstract

Skin injuries are highly prone to bacterial infection and slow healing that necessitate the use of advanced wound dressings with effective antibacterial effect, appropriate morphology and appropriate moisture management. We aimed to fabricate and evaluate the antibacterial electrospun nanofibrous mats of varying concentrations of polycaprolactone (PCL), gelatin (GEL) and Synedrella nodiflora (SN) extract for biomedical applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that uniform, bead-free nanofibers were obtained with a fiber diameter decreasing from about 247 ± 12 nm to about 207 ± 12 nm, in the control and extract-loaded mat, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed incorporation of the SN extract into PCL/GEL nanofibers through the appearance of extract-specific functional groups and characteristic peak shifts, indicating strong intermolecular interactions without covalent crosslinking. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a single-stage thermal degradation behavior of the developed PCL/GEL/extract nanofibrous mat, indicating enhanced thermal stability and improved structural integrity compared with those of the individual polymer components. The nanofibrous mats exhibited adequate tensile strength and elongation at break, indicating good mechanical stability and flexibility. The moisture management test revealed enhanced absorption, one-way transfer of moisture and improved ability to handle moisture in extract-loaded mats. In vitro, an initial moderate release was followed by sustained release, indicating controlled delivery without a significant burst effect. The Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion antibacterial test revealed that the control sample had no inhibitory effect, while the extract-impregnated mats exhibited a substantial antibacterial role against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with an inhibitory zone diameter of 25.7 ± 0.6 and 30.3 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. Cytotoxicity analyses further verified an excellent biocompatibility and cell viability of >95%. Collectively, the developed PCL/GEL/SN electrospun nanofibrous mats could be used as antibacterial and biocompatible wound dressing materials.