Multifunctional electrospun carboxymethyl cellulose-based composite nanofibers incorporating ZnO nanoparticles for...

The development of multifunctional wound dressings with combined mechanical stability and biological activity remains a critical challenge in wound management. In this study, electrospun nanofibers composed of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), integrating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) (0-5% w/v), were fabricated and systematically characterized. Structural analysis confirmed uniform morphology and successful NP incorporation. Increasing ZnO content enhanced mechanical stiffness, antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, and antioxidant capacity, while maintaining acceptable cytocompatibility (~70% viability at 72 h). Swelling behavior and controlled ZnO release were concentration-dependent. In vivo evaluation in a burn wound model demonstrated accelerated early-stage wound closure, with 89% healing observed in ZnO-containing scaffolds compared to 60% in controls after 14 days. These findings indicate that the controlled incorporation of ZnO NPs into a CMC/PVP/PVA nanofibrous matrix enhances multifunctional performance and supports its potential application as an advanced wound dressing material.