Antibacterial Performance of PCL-Chitosan Core-Shell Scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Wound Healing Applications

Background:

• Developing effective wound dressings is crucial for patient recovery.
• Combining the biocompatibility of chitosan with the mechanical strength of Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) offers potential for advanced wound care.
• Existing materials often lack a balance of biodegradability, mechanical integrity, and antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibacterial performance and suitability of coaxially electrospun PCL-chitosan core-shell scaffolds for wound healing.
• To leverage the combined properties of PCL and chitosan for improved wound dressing materials.
• To optimize scaffold fabrication for enhanced wound healing applications.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial electrospinning of PCL-chitosan core-shell scaffolds using optimized parameters.
• Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
• Evaluation of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), in vitro degradability, and antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

Main Results:

• PCL-chitosan scaffolds demonstrated a higher WVTR (2315 ± 3.4 g/m2·day) compared to PCL scaffolds (1654 ± 3.2 g/m2·day).
• In vitro degradability assays confirmed biodegradability while improving chitosan's degradation profile through PCL hybridization.
• Significant antibacterial performance was observed, with inhibition ratios of 52.860 ± 2.298% against E. coli and 49.333 ± 0.719% against S. aureus.

Conclusions:

• The developed PCL-chitosan core-shell scaffolds possess favorable properties for wound dressing applications.
• The hybrid scaffolds offer a balance of mechanical strength, biodegradability, and potent antibacterial activity.
• These scaffolds represent promising candidates for advanced, biodegradable wound healing materials.