Electrospinning a highly antibacterial polylactic acid/fibroin nanofiber membrane for wound dressings

To develop a wound dressing with effective antibacterial and biodegradable properties, polylysine (PL), nano‑silver (AgNP), and silver oxide (Ag₂O) were incorporated into polylactic acid/silk fibroin (PLA/SF) nanofibers to enhance their antibacterial activity. PLA/SF drug-loaded nanofiber films were fabricated through electrospinning, utilizing PL, AgNP, and Ag₂O as antibacterial agents. The results indicated that the inclusion of these additives improved the mobility of the molecular chains and increased crystallinity by 32.57 %. The porosity of the film decreased from 89 % to 87 %, while the liquid absorption rate and air permeability also diminished. Additionally, the contact angle increased from 78° to 92°, and water resistance improved. The film maintained adequate mechanical properties and in vitro degradation rates, which are crucial for wound dressing applications. Notably, PLA/SF nanofiber films demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, underscoring their potential for use in the medical field. This study offers a promising approach for designing multifunctional wound dressings with enhanced antibacterial and biodegradable properties.