Durable keratin-based bilayered electrospun mats for wound closure

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Wound healing requires advanced materials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM).
• Bilayered scaffolds offer potential for improved tissue regeneration by combining different functionalities.
• Existing scaffolds may lack optimal properties for cell interaction and infection prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel bilayered nanofibrous scaffold for enhanced wound healing.
• To investigate the physiochemical, biological, and mechanical properties of the scaffold.
• To evaluate the scaffold's efficacy in vitro and in vivo for tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a bilayered scaffold using electrospinning: a mupirocin-loaded horn keratin-chitosan (KCD) primary layer and a poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid)-gelatin (PG) secondary layer.
• In vitro evaluation of scaffold properties, including swelling, porosity, oxygen permeability, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility with fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines using fluorescence staining.
• In vivo assessment of wound healing efficiency, including growth factor regulation and collagen synthesis.

Main Results:

• The engineered bilayered scaffold (KCD-PG) successfully mimicked ECM functions.
• The scaffold exhibited improved physiochemical, biological, and mechanical properties, with enhanced swelling, porosity, and oxygen permeability.
• Demonstrated significant biocompatibility, promoting cell adhesion and proliferation, and acceptable antibacterial properties.
• In vivo studies showed accelerated wound healing with regulated growth factors and enhanced collagen synthesis.

Conclusions:

• The developed bilayered nanofibrous scaffold (KCD-PG) is a promising material for tissue regeneration and accelerated wound healing.
• The scaffold's design enhances cell interactions and provides a conducive environment for tissue repair.
• This biomaterial demonstrates potential for clinical applications in managing complex wounds.