Nanofibrous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/collagen/graphene oxide scaffolds for wound coverage

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Wound management aims to prevent infection and promote healing by supporting cell growth.
• Polymeric nanofiber scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix, aiding fibroblast activity.
• Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) offers a promising scaffold material due to its structural and porous properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanofibrous scaffold.
• To investigate the effects of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) and collagen on scaffold properties and biological performance.
• To evaluate the potential of the composite scaffold for wound management applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PHBV nanofibrous scaffolds.
• Incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) and collagen into the PHBV matrix.
• Morphological and chemical characterization using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.
• Assessment of mechanical strength, antibacterial activity, hydrophilicity, and fibroblast cell proliferation.

Main Results:

• Addition of GO and collagen decreased nanofiber diameter and increased porosity without chemical interactions.
• GO incorporation enhanced mechanical strength and provided antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.
• Collagen addition improved hydrophilicity and significantly enhanced fibroblast cell proliferation.
• The composite scaffold exhibited a balanced combination of desirable properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed PHBV/GO/collagen nanofibrous scaffold presents a promising biomaterial for wound management.
• The synergistic effects of GO and collagen optimize scaffold properties for enhanced healing.
• This composite scaffold holds potential for promoting tissue regeneration and preventing infection.