Nano-Engineered Hybridized Polymeric Framework for Chronic Wound Management

Chronic wounds, particularly those associated with diabetes, pose a significant challenge in medical care due to their persistent non-healing nature; it is estimated that by 2030, nearly 550 million individuals will be diagnosed with diabetes in the world. This study presents the design and fabrication of a nano-engineered hybridized polymeric framework aimed at enhancing chronic wound management. The designed scaffold is composed of a Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibrous mat, a Collagen/Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) composite loaded with metformin hydrochloride, and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) embedded with aceclofenac. The physico-chemical and biochemical characterization of the hybrid scaffold indicated potential efficacy. Electron microscopic studies indicated the porous structure of hybrid polymeric framework (HPF) scaffold which aided significant drug release (metformin and aceclofenac) of 72.2% and 63.9% respectively in 24 h. The hybrid polymeric framework showed swelling of 150-200% to enable drug release along with the efficient exudate absorption that forms the prerequisite for chronic wounds. The HPF scaffold had displayed 93.5% cell viability, 98.7% hemocompatibility, 73.9% in-vitro wound contraction and an improved anti-oxidant activity, that supports the tissue repair in chronic wounds. Thus, the developed hybrid scaffold highlights its potential as an advanced holistic solution for chronic wound management.