Antimicrobial core-shell nanofiber wound dressing with chloramphenicol-liposomes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Chronic wounds represent a growing global health challenge, necessitating advanced wound dressing solutions.
• Nanofiber-based dressings show significant potential for improved wound management.
• Combining multiple biopolymers and controlled drug delivery systems can enhance dressing efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel core-shell nanofibers incorporating beta-glucan (βG), chitosan (CHI), pectin, and liposome-entrapped chloramphenicol (CAM).
• To investigate the fabrication challenges and solutions for coaxial electrospinning of these complex formulations.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, drug release kinetics, and antimicrobial activity of the developed nanofibers for chronic wound treatment.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial electrospinning was employed to create core-shell nanofibers with a pectin/CAM-liposome core and a βG/CHI shell.
• Challenges in electrospinning, such as gel-clogging, were addressed by optimizing solution pH.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used for morphological characterization.
• Tensile strength, stability in simulated wound fluid, and chloramphenicol release profiles were assessed.
• Antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated core-shell nanofibers (Coax-LipCAM) with a mean diameter of approximately 200 nm.
• Overcame electrospinning challenges by reducing the pH of the pectin-containing core solution.
• Coax-LipCAM exhibited superior tensile strength and stability in simulated wound fluid compared to control nanofibers.
• Demonstrated sustained release of CAM, with 80% released over eight hours.
• Nanofibers showed comparable antimicrobial activity to free CAM against tested bacterial strains.

Conclusions:

• Core-shell nanofibers incorporating CAM-loaded liposomes within a pectin core and a βG/CHI shell were successfully fabricated.
• The developed nanofibers possess favorable morphological, mechanical, stability, and swelling properties.
• Sustained drug release and preserved antimicrobial activity make these nanofibers promising for chronic wound management.
• Further clinical evaluation is encouraged for the therapeutic potential in treating chronic wounds.