Starch-grafted poly(ɛ-caprolactone) nanofibrous membranes for wound healing and pH-triggered drug delivery

Chronic wound remains a major challenge due to the delayed healing, infection and persistent inflammatory microenvironment. Conventional wound dressing primarily serves as physical barrier and fails to provide an optimal milieu for cell proliferation, moisture retention, and controlled drug delivery. These limitations often result in inadequate tissue regeneration and prolonged recovery times. To overcome these challenges, advanced smart dressings have been developed to actively participate in the healing cascades by responding to physiological cues at the wound site. The major significance of the work is the identification of a new pH responsive copolymer Viz: starch-graft-PCL (S-gP) which have a capability of enhanced drug release property in alkaline pH, observed in chronic wound surface. The optimized concentration of S-g-P electrospun membrane exhibited better hydrophilicity, biodegradability, fluid management and hemocompatibility along with mechanical robustness. Gentamicin-loaded S-g-P and layered membranes exhibited sustained, pH-responsive drug release, with enhanced release at alkaline pH (8.9), characteristic of chronic inflammatory wound surfaces. These membranes also exhibited prominent antibacterial activity for 28 days on both E. coli and S. aureus. 20% S-g-P/G and layered membrane exhibited excellent cell proliferation and attachment and considered as a potential advanced wound dressing capable of sustained antibacterial activity, reduced cytotoxicity, and improved wound healing outcomes.