Abstract
Cinnamaldehyde (CA) was successfully encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and polylactic acid (PLA)-based composite fibers were prepared by incorporating CA/β-CD via electrospinning. Morphological, structural, spectral, and antibacterial properties of different weight ratios of PLA:β-CD/CA (88:12, 94:6, 97:3, and 98.5:1.5) and PLA/CA/β-CD fibers were investigated. PLA and CA/β-CD were incorporated by mixing of CA/β-CD inclusions to enhance the viscosity of the mixed solution. The mechanical properties and hydrophilicity of nanofibers were improved following the addition of CA/β-CD. Moreover, CA/β-CD improved the antibacterial activities of the mixture against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. PLA/CA/β-CD-3 exhibited excellent antibacterial effects and low cytotoxicity. Thus, our study showed that PLA/CA/β-CD fibers may have applications as wound dressing materials and for use in other biomedical applications.