Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recently, electrospun nanofiber composite scaffolds encaged with bioactive agents have gained prominence as an innovative therapy for managing full-thickness infectious wounds. METHODS: This study mainly focuses on the development and comprehensive characterization of multi-component polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based nanofiber scaffolds incorporating pupae oil (PO) and Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) using electrospinning technique for accelerated full thickness infectious wound healing. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs revealed a porous, interconnected fibrous structure with diameters ranging between 200 and 300 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the chemical compatibility and successful incorporation of PO and PBNPs into the scaffolds. The scaffolds exhibited optimal biodegradation over a two-week period and demonstrated appropriate water uptake capacity to absorb wound exudates. Furthermore, they displayed potent antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), as well as minimal microbial penetration across nanofiber scaffolds. In vitro studies on L-929 fibroblast cells indicated improved cell viability, migration, cell adhesion, and proliferation. In vivo evaluation in an infected rat model demonstrated rapid wound closure and improved tissue regeneration. Moreover, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and masson-trichome staining corroborated the scaffolds' excellent wound healing efficacy. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated significant downregulation of key pro-inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the bioinspired, multi-component PVA-based nanofiber scaffolds loaded with natural bioactive agents (PO and PBNPs), hold great potential as a therapeutic strategy for promoting enhanced healing of full-thickness infected wounds.