A separable double-layer self-pumping dressing containing astragaloside for promoting wound healing.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Nanotechnology Applications

Background:

• Conventional single-layer nanofiber dressings struggle with high exudate levels in skin wounds.
• Insufficient absorption capacity of existing dressings can impede the healing process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a separable, double-layer electrospun nanofiber wound dressing with enhanced exudate absorption and therapeutic properties.
• To evaluate the dressing's physical characteristics, antimicrobial activity, cellular effects, and in vivo wound healing efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a double-layer dressing using super hydrophilic sodium polyacrylate nanofibers (upper layer) and 3D-structure coaxial nanofibers with Astragaloside (AS) (bottom layer).
• Assessment of nanofiber morphology, water absorption, water vapor transmission, and free radical scavenging.
• Evaluation of antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
• In vitro testing on L929 fibroblasts for proliferative, migratory, and adhesive effects.
• In vivo wound healing study in a rat model.

Main Results:

• The double-layer dressing exhibited superior water absorption (1461.71 ± 39.72%), water vapor transmission (1193.63 ± 134 g·m⁻²·day⁻¹), and free radical scavenging (63.35 ± 3.65%).
• Significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (65.69 ± 2.62%) and Escherichia coli (75.10 ± 6.26%) was observed.
• The dressing demonstrated positive effects on fibroblast proliferation, migration, and adhesion.
• A high wound healing rate of 96.78 ± 1.0% was achieved in rats after 14 days of treatment.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-structure separable double-layer wound dressing effectively manages exudate and promotes skin wound healing.
• The dressing's unique design and incorporated therapeutic agent contribute to its enhanced performance.
• This novel wound dressing shows significant potential for clinical application in treating complex skin wounds.