Waterborne electrospun α-lactalbumin/soy protein isolate nanofibers for wound healing

Wound healing is a complex, multi-phase biological process that continues to pose significant challenges in biomedical engineering. As such, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and sustainable, multifunctional biomaterials capable of accelerating tissue repair remains a top priority. In this study, we present a green, multiprotein nanofiber-based system fabricated via waterborne electrospinning using water as the sole solvent. The nanofibers, composed of α-lactalbumin (ALA) and soy protein isolate (SPI) with up to 90% (w/w) protein content, were formulated with minimal amounts of polyethylene oxide (PEO). Comprehensive analysis of nanofiber morphology, water stability, and mechanical properties revealed that the combination of ALA and SPI provided enhanced structural tunability and performance compared to single-protein systems. In a rat model of third-degree burns, the ALA/SPI/PEO nanofibers significantly improved wound healing outcomes relative to controls, as evidenced by accelerated re-epithelialization, increased collagen deposition, and enhanced angiogenesis; all this being attributable to the synergistic effects of the two protein components. By integrating sustainability, material design and therapeutic efficacy into a single platform, our multiprotein nanofiber system offers a compelling blueprint for the next generation of eco-conscious and clinically translatable biomaterials.