Multifunctional Biological Performance of Electrospun PCL Scaffolds Formulated with Silver Sulfide Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes are utilized as scaffolds but require enhanced biological performance.
• Silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag₂S NPs) offer potential antimicrobial and regenerative properties.
• Green synthesis methods are desirable for sustainable nanomaterial production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel nanostructured scaffolds with improved multifunctional biological performance.
• To synthesize Ag₂S NPs using a green method and incorporate them into PCL fibers.
• To evaluate the antibacterial, biocompatibility, and wound healing capabilities of the resulting scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of Ag₂S NPs using rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) extract.
• Incorporation of Ag₂S NPs into PCL fibers via electrospinning with heparin (HEP) as a stabilizer.
• Characterization of NPs and fibers (size, morphology, SPR absorption, mechanical properties).
• Assessment of ion release, antibacterial activity (E. coli, S. aureus), cytotoxicity, and in vivo wound healing in rats.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized Ag₂S NPs (5-60 nm) with characteristic SPR absorption.
• Fabricated nanostructured PCL/HEP/Ag₂S fibers (500-800 nm diameter) with enhanced polarity and mechanical strength.
• Demonstrated controlled ion release and significant antibacterial efficacy (80-90%) against E. coli and S. aureus.
• Confirmed biocompatibility and promotion of fibroblast cell regeneration.
• Showed favorable wound healing response in a rat model with PCL/HEP/Ag₂S 1% scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanostructured PCL/HEP/Ag₂S scaffolds possess multifunctional biological properties.
• These scaffolds exhibit potent antibacterial activity and promote tissue regeneration.
• The green synthesis approach offers a sustainable route for creating advanced biomaterials for regenerative medicine.