Design and Development of Electrospun Membranes Loaded with Novel Nanoparticles for Wound Healing

Abstract

This research study investigated the design and development of electrospun membranes loaded with novel nanoparticles for wound healing. The primary focus of this work was to address the challenges associated with wound dressings, with the need for enhanced wound healing, optimization of electrospun membranes, and sustained release of drugs. To achieve these goals, electrospun membranes composed of polymers such as cellulose acetate, polyurethane (PU), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were fabricated. Nanoparticles of ciprofloxacin were incorporated into the electrospun membranes to impart additional functionalities and promote wound healing. The methodology employed two key techniques: electrospinning and the ion gelation method. Electrospinning was used to fabricate the membranes, providing control over key properties such as pore size, mechanical strength, porosity, and morphology. The ion gelation method was utilized for the synthesis of chitosan-ciprofloxacin nanoparticles, which were subsequently loaded into the electrospun membranes. The comparison of sheets with free ciprofloxacin and nanoparticles of ciprofloxacin was carried out in this study. Characterizations of the membranes and nanoparticles were performed using FESEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, density measurements, contact angle measurements, antibacterial studies and drug release. These analyses allowed for the assessment of morphology, chemical composition, crystallinity, thermal stability, and surface wettability of the materials.