Dual Functional Antibacterial-Antioxidant Core/Shell Alginate/Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanofiber Membrane: A Potential...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Core/shell nanofibers enable co-delivery of drugs with varying hydrophilicity.
• Hydrophilic drugs often exhibit undesirable burst release from nanofiber membranes.
• Controlled release is crucial for sustained therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop core/shell nanofibers to mitigate initial burst release of hydrophilic drugs.
• To create a dual-function nanofiber system with antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
• To evaluate the controlled release, antibacterial efficacy, antioxidant activity, and biocompatibility of the developed nanofibers.

Main Methods:

• Emulsion electrospinning was employed to fabricate core/shell nanofibers.
• Gentamicin (hydrophilic antibiotic) was loaded in an alginate core.
• Poly(ε-caprolactone) (hydrophobic shell) encapsulated betulin (antioxidant).

Main Results:

• Nanofibers successfully formed a core/shell structure.
• Gentamicin release was significantly reduced (50% in nanofibers vs. 93% in hydrogel film).
• Significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was observed.
• Betulin demonstrated antioxidant properties with 37.3% DPPH scavenging at 20% loading.
• Favorable biocompatibility was confirmed in cell culture studies.

Conclusions:

• Core/shell nanofibers effectively control the release of hydrophilic drugs, minimizing burst release.
• The developed nanofibers possess combined antibacterial and antioxidant functionalities.
• This technology presents a promising strategy for advanced wound dressings to prevent infection and accelerate healing.