Abstract
The use of biodegradable materials combined with natural metabolites in wound dressings has received much attention. Flavonoids (FLs) from green cocoons, as metabolites, have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological effects. In this study, composite membranes of FL-loaded polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA)/silk fibroin (SF) were prepared by an electrospinning method. The prepared membranes, including SF, exhibited a good slow-release effect and cytocompatibility. An in vitro evaluation of the FL-loaded PLGA/SF membranes demonstrated good antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Animal experiments showed that the wound healing rate of PLGA/SF-2.5FL membranes within 15 days was 97.3%, and that of the control group was 72.5%. The PLGA/SF-2.5FL membranes shortened the inflammatory period of a full-layer wound model and promoted skin regeneration and wound healing by downregulating expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and promoting expression of the growth factors VEGF, TGF-β, and EGF. In summary, the PLGA/SF-2.5FL composite nanofibre membrane with anti-inflammatory properties is an ideal wound dressing to promote acute wound healing.