Lithospermi radix extract-containing bilayer nanofiber scaffold for promoting wound healing in a rat model

This study examined the in vitro characteristics and in vivo wound healing effect of novel Lithospermi radix (LR) extract-containing bilayer scaffolds in a rat model. LR extract, which has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for treating skin wounds, was added to a biocompatible gelatin solution. After glutaraldehyde vapor was used to modify the surface of chitosan scaffolds, various ratios of mammalian gelatin and fish collagen (GF100, GF91 and GF82) were electrospun onto the chitosan scaffolds to manufacture bilayer scaffolds. The porous chitosan scaffolds with a high swelling ratio showed efficient exudate absorption ability. GF91 gelatin nanofibers electrospun at a constant flow rate at 0.1 mL/h and a voltage of 20 kV displayed the optimal characteristics required for cell attachment and skin tissue regeneration. Moreover, the LR extract was successfully released slowly from the GF91 nanofibers. The investigation of the wound-healing activity of the chitosan/gelatin (CGF) bilayer scaffolds revealed that CGF91L provided the highest wound recovery rate in vivo in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Based on its wound-healing effect and beneficial characteristics, the novel LR extract-containing CGF91 bilayer scaffold demonstrates potential as a material for treating skin wounds.