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Propolis-Based Nanofiber Patches to Repair Corneal Microbial Keratitis
Songul Ulag1,2, Elif Ilhan1,3, Ramazan Demirhan1
1Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM), Marmara University, 34722 Istanbul, Turkey.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed biocompatible polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA)/gelatin (GEL)/propolis (Ps) nanofiber patches. The ideal formulation enhanced mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Biocompatible materials are crucial for tissue engineering and wound healing applications.
- Propolis, a natural resin, possesses antimicrobial and healing properties.
- Electrospinning offers a versatile method for fabricating nanofiber scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA)/gelatin (GEL)/propolis (Ps) nanofiber patches.
- To investigate the controlled release of propolis, surface wettability, and antimicrobial activity.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility of the fabricated patches with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning technique used to fabricate PVA/GEL/Ps nanofiber patches with varying compositions.
- Morphological, mechanical, and surface wettability analyses performed.
- In vitro drug release studies for propolis.
- Antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa).
- Cell culture studies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Main Results:
- The optimal matrix composition was identified as 13 wt.% PVA/0.5 wt.% GEL for propolis incorporation.
- Nanofiber diameter increased with GEL and propolis addition; crosslinking further thickened fibers.
- Enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break observed for the 13 wt.% PVA/0.5 wt.% GEL/3 wt.% Ps patch.
- Propolis exhibited rapid initial release followed by a plateau.
- Patches with 3 wt.% propolis improved MSC proliferation and surface wettability.
- Antibacterial activity against S. aureus was confirmed, but efficacy against P. aeruginosa requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- PVA/GEL/Ps nanofiber patches are promising biocompatible materials for biomedical applications.
- The addition of propolis positively influences MSC proliferation and material wettability.
- Further research is needed to optimize antibacterial efficacy against P. aeruginosa.
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