PLA/β-CD-based fibres loaded with quercetin as potential antibacterial dressing materials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Microbiology

Background:

• Microbial infections prolong wound healing due to inflammation.
• Antibiotic resistance necessitates novel antimicrobial strategies.
• Biodegradable fibers offer potential for advanced wound care applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop quercetin-loaded polylactide-based fibers for antimicrobial wound healing.
• To enhance quercetin stability and fiber integrity using supramolecular interactions.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the developed fibers against common pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of star-shaped polylactides (PLAs) with a beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) core for quercetin (Q) inclusion.
• Supramolecular cross-linking via PLA stereocomplexation to improve fiber stability.
• Preparation of control nonwovens without β-CD for comparative analysis.
• Assessment of fiber morphology and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Main Results:

• Smooth, continuous fibers with an average diameter of 37 μm were successfully fabricated.
• Quercetin-loaded fibers demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae.
• Supramolecular interactions effectively enhanced fiber stability and quercetin entrapment.

Conclusions:

• The developed PLA-based fibers incorporating quercetin show significant potential for combating microbial infections.
• Supramolecular strategies, including inclusion complexation and stereocomplexation, are effective in improving fiber properties.
• These advanced fibers represent a promising approach for developing next-generation wound healing materials.