Doxorubicin-loaded polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan-based nanofibers for antimicrobial therapy and real-time in-vivo...

The current study intends to develop and estimate doxorubicin-laden chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers (CS-PVA-DOX-NFs) as a therapeutic system for bacterial infections and wound healing.

Nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), contact angle and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In-vitro drug release, release kinetics, hemocompatibility, and antibacterial activity were assessed, followed by in-vivo evaluation in Swiss albino mice using fluorescent optical and power Doppler imaging.

The nanofibers exhibited a uniform morphology with diameters of 120-356 nm and high drug entrapment efficiency. Sustained release of doxorubicin was observed with 44.65 ± 2.68% released over 24 h. The hemocompatibility assays confirmed non-hemolytic and biocompatible behavior of the nanofibers. Additionally, the antibacterial studies against Escherichia coli demonstrated potent activity (MIC/MBC: 3.25-12.5 μg/mL). Furthermore, the in-vivo imaging confirmed prolonged drug retention and enhanced wound healing, while Doppler analysis revealed improved tissue perfusion and oxygen saturation compared to commercial formulations.

CS-PVA-DOX-NFs exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, biosafety, strong antibacterial activity, and superior wound-healing efficacy, highlighting their potential as a promising nanofiber-based platform for infection control and tissue regeneration.