An investigation of electrospun Henna leaves extract-loaded chitosan based nanofibrous mats for skin tissue engineering

The ASB@HNTs-PVA nanofiber membrane, possessing both anti-inflammatory and hemostatic activities, promotes the healing of T2D skin wounds

The healing of diabetic wounds has long been a significant challenge in the field of medicine. The elevated sugar levels surrounding diabetic wounds create a conducive environment for harmful bacterial growth, resulting in purulent infections that impede the healing process. Thus, the development of a biomaterial that can enhance the healing of diabetic wounds holds great importance. This study developed electrospun dressings for wound healing by combining traditional Chinese medicine and clay. The study utilized electrospinning technology to prepare polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber membranes containing ASB and HNTs. These ASB@HNTs-PVA nanofiber membranes demonstrated rapid hemostasis, along with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, facilitating the recovery of type 2 diabetic (T2D) wounds. Various analyses were conducted to assess the performance of the composite nanofiber membrane, including investigations into its biocompatibility and hemostatic abilities through antibacterial experiments, cell experiments, and mouse liver tail bleeding experiments. Western blot analysis confirmed that the composite nanofiber membrane could decrease the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α. A type 2 diabetic mouse model was utilized, with wounds artificially induced on the backs of mice. Application of the nanofiber membrane to the wounds further confirmed its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to enhance wound healing in vivo.

Review on application of herbal extracts in biomacromolecules-based nanofibers as wound dressings and skin tissue engineering

The skin, which covers an area of 2 square meters of an adult human, accounts for about 15 % of the total body weight and is the body's largest organ. It protects internal organs from external physical, chemical, and biological attacks, prevents excess water loss from the body, and plays a role in thermoregulation. The skin is constantly exposed to various damages so that wounds can be acute or chronic. Although wound healing includes hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferation, and remodeling, chronic wounds face different treatment problems due to the prolonged inflammatory phase. Herbal extracts such as Nigella Sativa, curcumin, chamomile, neem, nettle, etc., with varying properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anticancer, are used for wound healing. Due to their instability, herbal extracts are loaded in wound dressings to facilitate skin wounds. To promote skin wounds, skin tissue engineering was developed using polymers, bioactive molecules, and biomaterials in wound dressing. Conventional wound dressings, such as bandages, gauzes, and films, can't efficiently respond to wound healing. Adhesion to the wounds can worsen the wound conditions, increase inflammation, and cause pain while removing the scars. Ideal wound dressings have good biocompatibility, moisture retention, appropriate mechanical properties, and non-adherent and proper exudate management. Therefore, by electrospinning for wound healing applications, natural and synthesis polymers are utilized to fabricate nanofibers with high porosity, high surface area, and suitable mechanical and physical properties. This review explains the application of different herbal extracts with different chemical structures in nanofibrous webs used for wound care.

Preparation and characterization of structural and antifouling properties of chitosan/polyethylene oxide membranes

It aims to prepare the chitosan (CS) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) hydrogel membranes with different CS/PEO blend ratios (100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30) via solvent casting. The physicochemical properties of these membranes were investigated using various characterization techniques: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), contact angle, and tensile testing. The interaction of PEO and chitosan was investigated by DSC in terms of freezing bound, freezing free, and non-freezing PEO fraction. The cross-sectional surface morphology of membranes displayed a smoother surface with increasing PEO content up to 20 %, beyond which nonhomogeneity on the surface was visible. The antifouling behavior of membranes was investigated by bacterial adherence study, which showed an enhanced antifouling nature of membranes with the increase in the PEO content. The peeling strength of the membranes was measured using a 90° angle peeling test, and it was found that 20 % and more PEO content promotes easy removal from the gelatin slab. In addition to this, live/ dead assay of the CS was performed to visualize the presence of live and dead bacteria on the surface. The CS/PEO blend with 20 % PEO content has properties makes it suitable for use as a protective layer on wound dressings to prevent bacterial growth. It's use in wound dressings has the potential to reduce the pain during the time of dressing removal and improve patient outcomes. The present investigation leads to the development of a CS hydrogel matrix which exhibits very interesting interaction with the PEO moiety along with its innovative feature of antifouling and antimicrobial nature.

Bioactive nanofibrous mats constructs: Separate efficacy of Lawsonia inermis and Scrophularia striata extracts in PVA/alginate matrices for enhanced wound healing

The study explores the use of electrospinning technology to create advanced wound dressing materials by integrating natural extracts from Lawsonia inermis (LI) and Scrophularia striata (SS) into nanofibrous matrices composed of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Alginate (ALG). These macromolecular complexes aim to leverage the unique properties of the botanical extracts for wound healing purposes. The research assesses the physical, chemical, and mechanical attributes of the nanofibrous constructs as well as their antimicrobial activities and ability to promote wound repair. Evaluation of Cellular Viability and Cytotoxicity (MTT) tests showed high biocompatibility of the nanofibrous mats, with cell viability percentages of 92 % for LI-loaded mats and 89 % for SS-loaded mats. The antibacterial rate of extract-containing mats was 70 % higher than non-extract-containing mats. In vivo assessments on rat models with burn injuries demonstrated that mats containing LI and SS extracts substantially accelerate tissue regeneration and overall healing. Nanofibrous mats containing LI extract showed a 45 % faster wound healing process than the control, while those containing SS extract showed a 40 % improvement. Overall, the study highlights the potential of PVA/ALG nanofibrous mats augmented with LI and SS extracts as effective platforms for wound management, offering enhanced properties for superior healing outcomes.

Bioinspired wound dressing: Investigating coelomic fluid-enhanced chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers

The electrospun mats consisting of integrated coelomic fluid (CF) and chitosan (Chs) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were produced and evaluated for use as wound dressings. CF was obtained from earthworms (Eisenia andrei (Fetida)) using an electric shock method, while Chs was chemically produced from shrimp chitin and then characterized using titration, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and viscometry. The wound dressings with different CF contents were evaluated for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and cell viability properties. The dressings infused with CF showed significantly higher antibacterial and antioxidant activity, as well as improved cell viability compared to the control without CF. In vivo studies using adult Wistar albino rats showed that the Chs/PVA/CF wound dressings promoted wound healing and re-epithelialization. Moreover, histological examinations of the injuries coated with Chs/PVA/CF displayed improved re-epithelialization. These results suggest that the Chs/PVA/CF nanofiber has the potential for use as a wound dressing material.

Effect of the molar mass of chitosan and film casting solvents on the properties of chitosan films loaded with Mentha spicata essential oil for potential application as wound dressing

Chitosan based films endowed with antibacterial features have witnessed remarkable progress as potential wound dressings. The current study aimed at appraising the effects of the molar mass of chitosan (MM) and the film casting acids on the properties of unplasticized chitosan films and plasticized MSO-embedded chitosan films in order to provide best suited film formulation as a potential candidate for wound dressing application. The prepared films were functionally characterized in terms of their qualitative assessment, thickness, density, swelling behavior, water vapor barrier, mechanical and antibacterial properties. Overall, all chitosan films displayed thickness lower than the human dermis even though thicker and denser films were produced with lactic acid. Assessment of the swelling behavior revealed that only high molar mass (HMM) chitosan films may be regarded as absorbent dressings. Moreover, unplasticized HMM lactate (HMM-LA) films furnished lower stiffness and higher percent strain break as compared to acetate films, due to the plasticizing effect of the remaining lactic acid as alluded by the FTIR analysis. Meanwhile, they provided suitable level of moisture and indicated substantial antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, the most commonly opportunistic bacteria found in infected skin wound. Plasticized chitosan films doped with MSO were significantly thicker and more permeable to water compared to unplasticized films. Furthermore, MSO significantly potentiate the antibacterial effect of chitosan-based films. Therefore, plasticized HMM-LA/MSO chitosan film flashing good swelling behavior, adequate WVTR and WVP, suitable mechanical properties and antibacterial performances substantiated to be a promising antibacterial dressing material for moderately exuding wounds.

A doxycycline-loaded microfiber of poly-metformin/PCL for eradicating melanoma stem cells

Nowadays, electrospun fibrous mats are used as drug delivery systems for loading of potential drugs in order to kill cancer cells. In the study, a skin patch for treating melanoma cancer after surgery was made using polycaprolactone and polymetformin microfibers that were loaded with doxycycline (PolyMet/PCL@DOX), an anti-cancer stem cell agent. The morphology, structure, mechanical characteristics, swelling, and porosity of the electrospun microfibers were examined. Drug release andanticancereffectiveness of PolyMet/PCL@DOXwas evaluated against A375 melanoma cancer stem cells using the MTS, Flow cytometry, colony formation and CD44 expression assays. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verified the micro fibrous structure with a diameter of about 2.31 µm. The porosity and swelling percentages for microfibers was 73.5 % and 2.9 %, respectively. The tensile strength at the breaking point was equal to 3.84 MPa. The IC50 of PolyMet/PCL@DOX was 7.4 μg/mL. The survival rate of A375 cells after 72 h of PolyMet/PCL@DOX treatment was 43.9 %. The colony formation capacity of A375 cells decreased after PolyMet/PCL@DOX treatment. The level of CD44 expression in the PolyMet/PCL@DOX group decreased compared to the control group. Generally, PolyMet/PCL@DOX microfibers can be a promising candidate as a patch after surgery to eradicate cancer stem cells, effectively.

Linum usitatissimum Delivery over Chitosan Nanobiopolymer: Enhanced Effects on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Condition

Herein, chitosan nanoparticle (CHIT) was used as a safe and biocompatible matrix to carry flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) extract (FSE). The number of main features and bio-interface properties of CHIT-FSE were determined by SEM, DLS, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and zeta potential analyses and compared to those of chitosan lacking FSE. A GC-MS analysis was also conducted to reveal the bioactive compounds of FSE. The active anchoring of the FSE phytomolecules over chitosan nanoparticles with enhanced thermal and structural stability was correspondingly verified. Subsequently, the influence of CHIT-FSE, CHIT-TPP, and FSE supplementation was assessed on hormonal and biochemical markers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female rats and compared with untreated and healthy control groups. After 16 days of treatment, CHIT-FSE represented the best performance for controlling the serum levels of the studied biochemical (lipid profile and blood glucose level) and hormonal (insulin, testosterone, luteinizing, and follicle-stimulating hormone) parameters. Considering the negligible therapeutic activity of CHIT-TPP, the enhanced activity of CHIT-FSE compared to only FSE was expounded based on the potent action of chitosan nanoparticles in enhanced stabilization, bioavailability, transport, and permeability of the therapeutically important phytomolecules. As per the results of this investigation, supporting medically important biomolecules over chitosan can enhance their therapeutic effectiveness in controlling PCOS.

CDI crosslinked chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) electrospun nanofibers loaded with Achillea millefolium and Viola extract: A promising wound dressing

Biopolymer-based electrospun mats, mimicking the extracellular matrix, have been extensively explored in biomedical applications. This study compares Achillea millefolium (AM) and Viola (V) extracts for developing a biocompatible wound dressing. The extracts were incorporated into a Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) matrix via electrospinning. Crosslinking with Carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) improved chemical stability, water resistance, and biodegradability. The resulting mats exhibited flawless interconnected nanofibers, confirming the presence of AM and Viola extracts as analyzed via FTIR. Significant differences were observed between these two herbal extracts, particularly in mechanical properties, with tensile strengths of 6.9 MPa for AM and 17.2 MPa for Viola. Viola extract demonstrated robust antibacterial properties, producing an 8.2 mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus, compared to AM's 30 %. The release of therapeutic agents indicated an initial rapid phase, followed by a controlled 72 h release at a consistent rate. Notably, Viola extract led to 80.9 % wound closure on the 10th day, surpassing AM extract at 63.7 %. In contrast, the control group achieved only 32.1 % closure. This comparative study underscores the distinct advantages of AM and Viola extracts in wound dressing applications. While AM presents specific strengths, Viola extract exhibits superior mechanical properties, antibacterial efficacy, and accelerated wound closure, suggesting its potential with significant clinical implications.

Electrospun wound dressings with antibacterial function: a critical review of plant extract and essential oil incorporation

Among the many different types of wound dressings, nanofiber-based materials produced through electrospinning are claimed to be ideal because of their advantageous intrinsic properties and the feasibility of employing several strategies to load bioactive compounds into their structure. Bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties have been incorporated into different wound dressings to promote healing as well as prevent and treat bacterial infections. Among these, natural products, such as medicinal plant extracts and essential oils (EOs), have proven particularly attractive thanks to their nontoxic nature, minor side effects, desirable bioactive properties, and favorable effects on the healing process. To this end, the present review provides an exhaustive and up-to-date revision of the most prominent medicinal plant extracts and EOs with antimicrobial properties that have been incorporated into nanofiber-based wound dressings. The most common methods used for incorporating bioactive compounds into electrospun nanofibers include: pre-electrospinning (blend, encapsulation, coaxial, and emulsion electrospinning), post-electrospinning (physical adsorption, chemical immobilization, and layer-by-layer assembly), and nanoparticle loading. Furthermore, a general overview of the benefits of EOs and medicinal plant extracts is presented, describing their intrinsic properties and biotechniques for their incorporation into wound dressings. Finally, the current challenges and safety issues that need to be adequately clarified and addressed are discussed.

Multilayer PVA/gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds incorporated with Tanacetum polycephalum essential oil and amoxicillin for skin tissue engineering application

Wound infection is still an important challenge in healing of different types of skin injuries. This highlights the need for new and improved antibacterial agents with novel and different mechanisms of action. In this study, by electrospinning process Tanacetum polycephalum essential oil (EO), as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, along with Amoxicillin (AMX) as an antibiotic are incorporated into PVA/gelatin-based nanofiber mats individually and in combination to fabricate a novel wound dressing. Briefly, we fabricated PVA/gelatin loaded by Amoxicillin as first layer for direct contact with wound surface to protects the wound from exogenous bacteria, and then built a PVA/gelatin/Tanacetum polycephalum essential oil layer on the first layer to help cleanses the wound from infection and accelerates wound closure. Finally, PVA/gelatin layer as third layer fabricated on middle layer to guarantee desirable mechanical properties. For each layer, the electrospinning parameters were adjusted to form bead-free fibers. The morphology of fabricated nanofiber scaffolds was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microscopic images demonstrated the smooth bead-free microstructures fabrication of every layer of nanofiber with a uniform fiber size of 126.888 to 136.833 nm. While, EO and AMX increased the diameter of nanofibers but there was no change in physical structure of nanofiber. The water contact angle test demonstrated hydrophilicity of nanofibers with 47.35°. Although EO and AMX had little effect on reducing hydrophilicity but nanofibers with contact angle between 51.4° until 65.4° are still hydrophilic. Multilayer nanofibers loaded by EO and AMX killed 99.99 % of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in comparison with control and PVA/gelatin nanofiber. Also, in addition to confirming the non-toxicity of nanofibers, MTT results also showed the acceleration of cell proliferation. In vivo wound evaluation in mouse models showed that designed nanofibrous scaffolds could be an appropriate option for wound treatment due to their positive effect on angiogenesis, collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, epithelialization, and wound closure.

Functionalization of bamboo fibers with lawsone dye (Lawsonia inermis) to produce bioinspired hybrid color composite with antibacterial activity

There is great interest in using eco-friendly functional colorants with antibacterial activity to produce colorful textile and plastic products. In this study, we designed, produced, and analyzed a novel multifunctional hybrid color composite colorant with antimicrobial properties, prepared from plant-based products. The new functional color composite was prepared by stabilizing lawsone dye onto amino-silanized cellulose from bamboo fibers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were performed to examine the possible interactions between the lawsone dye and silanized bamboo fibers. The color performance, morphology, chemical stability, and thermal stability of the prepared color composite were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results were compared to those for pure lawsone dye. Modification of amino-silanized bamboo fibers with lawsone dye led to the formation of a light brown colorant that is more resistant to organic solvents (e.g. acetone, ethanol) and elevated temperatures than raw natural dye. Importantly, the designed bamboo fiber/lawsone system (BF-APTES-L) benefits from the synergistic combination of lawsone and bamboo fibers, showing strong antibacterial activity compared to the control sample of bamboo-as evidenced by noticeably inhibited growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis.

Generation of PVP Membranes Using Extracts/Phenolic Fraction of Dysphania ambrosioides, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Tradescantia pallida

In the present work, electrospun membranes of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers were manufactured using extracts and phenolic fractions of Dysphania ambrosioides (epazote), Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal), and Tradescantia pallida (chicken grass). The characterization of the membranes was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The membranes synthesized through the use of the extracts generally showed a slight decrease in the diameter of the fibers but an increase in the size of the pores due to the presence of nanoparticles (rosaries) on the surface of the fibers, while the membranes synthesized using the phenolic fraction demonstrated an inversely proportional relationship between the compounds of this family with the diameter of the fibers and the size of the pore, allowing to elucidate part of the polymerization mechanisms of PVP nanofibers, in addition to proposing a reaction mechanism in the interaction between PVP and phenolic compounds for surface functionalization. Likewise, we demonstrate that the generation of reaction seeds through functionalization allows the addition of other compounds to the fibers in the membranes synthesized using the complete extract.

Electrospun Scaffolds as Antimicrobial Herbal Extract Delivery Vehicles for Wound Healing

Herbal extracts have been used in traditional remedies since the earliest myths. They have excellent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities owing to various bioactive components in their structure. However, due to their inability to reach a target and low biostability, their use with a delivery vehicle has come into prominence. For this purpose, electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have been widely preferred for the delivery and release of antimicrobial herbal extracts due to the flexibility and operational versatility of the electrospinning technique. Herein, we briefly reviewed the electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds as delivery systems for herbal extracts with a particular focus on the preclinical studies for wound-healing applications that have been published in the last five years. We also discussed the indirect effects of herbal extracts on wound healing by altering the characteristics of electrospun mats.

Nanostructured CuO Thin-Film-Based Conductometric Sensors for Real-Time Tracking of Sweat Loss

Enhanced sweat sensors lead to real-time, sustained, noninvasive tracking of sweat loss, ensure insight into individual health conditions at the molecular level, and have obtained prominent interest for their hopeful implementations in customized health tracking. Metal-oxide-based nanostructured electrochemical amperometric sensing materials are the best selection for continuous sweat monitoring devices owing to their high stability, high-sensing capacity, cost-effectiveness, miniaturization, and wide applicability. In this research, CuO thin films have been fabricated by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique (SILAR) with and without the addition of Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna, (LiL)) leaf extract (C₁₀H₆O₃, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) with a high-sensitive and rapid response for sweat solution. Despite the pristine film being responsive to the 65.50 mM sweat solution (S = 2.66), the response characteristic improves to 3.95 for the 1.0% LiL-implemented CuO film. Unmodified, 1.0% LiL and 3.0% LiL-substituted thin-film materials assure considerable linearity with linear regression ranges, R², of 0.989, 0.997, and 0.998, respectively. It is noteworthy here that this research aims to determine an enhanced system that could potentially be implemented in real-life sweat-tracking administrations. Real-time sweat loss tracking capabilities of CuO samples was found to be promising. Derived from these outcomes, we concluded that the fabricated nanostructured CuO-based sensing system is a useful application for the continuous observation of sweat loss as a biological argument and compatibility with other microelectronic technologies.

A bilayer biocompatible polycaprolactone/zinc oxide/Capparis spinosa L. ethyl acetate extract/polylactic acid nanofibrous composite scaffold for novel wound dressing applications

Capparis spinosa L. (CSL) is used in traditional medicinal purposes for wound dressing because it contains natural phenolic and flavonoid active compounds. In the current study, a bilayer of biocompatible and mechanically stable nanofiber scaffolds with polycaprolactone (PCL)/zinc oxide and Capparis spinosa L. ethyl acetate extract (CSLE)/polylactic acid (PLA) layers was successfully prepared by an electrostatic spinning technique. Microstructural observations carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have shown that the nanofibers with a smooth surface are continuous and bead-free, and that the size distribution is uniform, with an average diameter of 314.15 nm. The results of careful observation further suggested that polymers in the nanofibers have excellent compatibility with drugs. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy suggested that CSLE and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) were successfully loaded in the nanofiber membranes. Water contact angle measurements revealed that the bilayer nanofiber membranes exhibited satisfactory wettability (outside layer, 130°; inner layer, 72.4°). Tensile testing showed that the bilayer PCL/ZnO-CSLE/PLA nanofibers remained unbroken until reaching 10.69 MPa, which is much higher than the tensile strengths of the individual layers or the individual components. Moreover, agar disk diffusion assessment confirmed that the bilayer nanofiber membranes obviously hindered bacterial growth. Cytotoxicity studies showed that the bilayer nanofiber membranes effectively accelerated cell proliferation. The investigated PCL/ZnO-CSLE/PLA bilayer nanofibers have potential for use as membranes for wound dressing applications.

Emulsion Electrospinning of PLLA/PVA/Chitosan with Hypericum perforatum L. as an Antibacterial Nanofibrous Wound Dressing

Chronic wounds are one of the most severe health problems that affect millions of people worldwide. These types of injuries impair healing and lead to life-threatening complications. Therefore, suitable wound dressing materials are essential to prevent the risk of infection and to provide an excellent healing environment. The present research reports the development of an electrospun Poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Chitosan (CS) wound dressing material, produced via emulsion electrospinning in a single step using homogeneous gel-like suspensions of two different and incompatible polymer solutions. The electrospun PLLA/PVA/CS fiber mats were loaded with two different amounts of Hypericum perforatum L. (HP) (2.5% and 5.0% owf). The results revealed that the produced electrospun PLLA/PVA/CS fiber mats displayed ideal properties as a wound dressing due to a total porosity, wettability, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and swelling properties similar to those reported for the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin, mainly when 2.5% owf HP was incorporated. Moreover, the electrospun PLLA/PVA/CS fiber mats containing HP were able to prevent the growth of gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) without causing cytotoxicity to normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). These findings suggest that these electrospun dressing mats are helpful for preventing wound infections as well as an appropriate support and microenvironment for wound healing.

A review on polysaccharides mediated electrospun nanofibers for diabetic wound healing: Their current status with regulatory perspective

The current treatment strategies for diabetic wound care provide only moderate degree of effectiveness; hence new and improved therapeutic techniques are in great demand. Diabetic wound healing is a complex physiological process that involves synchronisation of various biological events such as haemostasis, inflammation, and remodelling. Nanomaterials like polymeric nanofibers (NFs) offer a promising approach for the treatment of diabetic wounds and have emerged as viable options for wound management. Electrospinning is a powerful and cost-effective method to fabricate versatile NFs with a wide array of raw materials for different biological applications. The electrospun NFs have unique advantages in the development of wound dressings due to their high specific surface area and porosity. The electrospun NFs possess a unique porous structure and biological function similar to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), and are known to accelerate wound healing. Compared to traditional dressings, the electrospun NFs are more effective in healing wounds owing to their distinct characteristics, good surface functionalisation, better biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the electrospinning procedure and its operating principle, with special emphasis on the role of electrospun NFs in the treatment of diabetic wounds. This review discusses the present techniques applied in the fabrication of NF dressings, and highlights the future prospects of electrospun NFs in medicinal applications.

Collagen/Nigella sativa/chitosan inscribed electrospun hybrid bio-nanocomposites for skin tissue engineering

The sophisticated new tissue regeneration focused on nanocomposite with different morphologies achieved through advanced manufacturing technology with the inclusion of bio-inscribed materials has piqued the research community's interest. This research aims at developing hybrid bio-nanocomposites with collagen (Col), Nigella sativa (Ns) oil and chitosan (Cs) by a bi-layered green electrospinning on polyvinyl chloride (PVA) layer in a different ratio for tissue regeneration. Fiber morphologies through scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), moisture management, tensile test, antibacterial activity, cell cytotoxicity and wound healing through rabbit model of the fabricated hybrid bio-nanocomposites were investigated. It is worth noting that water-soluble Col (above 60% solution) does not form Taylor cones during electrospinning because unable to overcome the surface tension of the solution (viscosity) to form fibers. The results show that water soluble Col (50% solution) to Cs (25% solution) and Ns (25% solution) has good fiber formation with mean diameter 384 ± 27 nm and degree of porosity is 79%. The fast-absorbing and slow-drying hybrid bio-nanocomposites maintain a moist environment for wounds and allowing gaseous exchange for cell migration and proliferation by the synergistic effects of bio-polymers. All of the biopolymers in bio-nanocomposite improve the H-bonds, which accounts for enough tensile strength to withstand cell pulling force. The antibacterial ZOI concentrations against S. aureus and E. coli were 10 and 8 mm, respectively, which appeared to be sufficient to inhibit bacterial action with 100% cell viability (cytotoxicity). The synergistic effects of Ns and Cs improve tissue regeneration, while native Col improves antibacterial activity, and the rabbit model achieves approximately 84% wound closure in only 10 days, which is 1.5 times faster than the control model. So, the fabricated hybrid bio-composites may be useful for skin tissue engineering.

Recent Advances in Using Natural Antibacterial Additives in Bioactive Wound Dressings

Wound care is a global health issue with a financial burden of up to US $96.8 billion annually in the USA alone. Chronic non-healing wounds which show delayed and incomplete healing are especially problematic. Although there are more than 3000 dressing types in the wound management market, new developments in more efficient wound dressings will require innovative approaches such as embedding antibacterial additives into wound-dressing materials. The lack of novel antibacterial agents and the misuse of current antibiotics have caused an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which is estimated to cause 10 million deaths by 2050 worldwide. These ongoing challenges clearly indicate an urgent need for developing new antibacterial additives in wound dressings targeting microbial pathogens. Natural products and their derivatives have long been a significant source of pharmaceuticals against AMR. Scrutinising the data of newly approved drugs has identified plants as one of the biggest and most important sources in the development of novel antibacterial drugs. Some of the plant-based antibacterial additives, such as essential oils and plant extracts, have been previously used in wound dressings; however, there is another source of plant-derived antibacterial additives, i.e., those produced by symbiotic endophytic fungi, that show great potential in wound dressing applications. Endophytes represent a novel, natural, and sustainable source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications, including as efficient antibacterial additives for chronic wound dressings. This review examines and appraises recent developments in bioactive wound dressings that incorporate natural products as antibacterial agents as well as advances in endophyte research that show great potential in treating chronic wounds.

Treatment Management of Diabetic Wounds Utilizing Herbalism: An Overview

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as DM, is a metabolic disorder which is characterized by high blood glucose level, i.e., chronic hyperglycemia. If it is not managed properly, DM can lead to many severe complexities with time and can cause significant damage to the kidneys, heart, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of those major complexities which affect around 15-25% of the population diagnosed with diabetes. Due to diabetic conditions, the body's natural healing process slows down leading to longer duration for healing of wounds only when taken care of properly. Herbal therapies are one of the approaches for the management and care of diabetic foot ulcer, which utilizes the concept of synergism for better treatment options. With the recent advancement in the field of nanotechnology and natural drug therapy, a lot of opportunities can be seen in combining both technologies and moving towards a more advanced drug delivery system to overcome the limitations of polyherbal formulations.

METHODS

During the writing of this document, the data was derived from existing original research papers gathered from a variety of sources such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar.

CONCLUSION

Hence, this review includes evidence about the current practices and future possibilities of nano-herbal formulation in treatment and management of diabetic wounds.

Lawsonia inermis-loaded poly (L-lactide-co-D, L-lactide) nanofibers for healing acceleration of burn wounds

This study aimed to develop a new bioactive wound dressing based on electrospun poly (L-lactide-co-D, L-lactide) (PLDLLA) nanofibers containing Lawsonia inermis (LI) for burn wounds. The SEM results showed that loading LI increased the average diameter of PLDLLA nanofibers to 528 nm with smooth and beadless morphology. The analysis of LI release from PLDLLA nanofibers and film samples was measured by UV-vis spectrophotometry, and the obtained results revealed that LI molecules could diffuse from the nanofibrous sample with higher rate than film during 48 h. In this regard, the PLDLLA nanofibrous sample as a drug carrier has advantages compared to the film. Moreover, the antibacterial results confirmed the positive influence of LI related to the bacteria which in turn the growth inhibition zones were increased from 6 to 22 mm for P. aeruginosa, and from 3 to 16 mm for S. aureus while the LI concentration was set at 1.4% (w/v). Finally, animal model studies demonstrated that PLDLLA-LI nanofibers accelerated burn wound closure remarkably; thereby decreasing the wound area approximately 90% during the treatment period of 19 days. The histological observations dedicated that the appearance of the epithelial layer was increased dramatically alongside the thickness of around 40% for the wound treated with PLDLLA-LI nanofibrous sample rather than that without LI. Besides the epithelialization, it has been found that the wound covered by PLDLLA-LI wound dressing has condensed collagen fibers with no necrosis.

Polysaccharide Electrospun Nanofibers for Wound Healing Applications

As a type of biological macromolecule, natural polysaccharides have been widely used in wound healing due to their low toxicity, good biocompatibility, degradability and reproducibility. Electrospinning is a versatile and simple technique for producing continuous nanoscale fibers from a variety of natural and synthetic polymers. The application of electrospun nanofibers as wound dressings has made great progress and they are considered one of the most effective wound dressings. This paper reviews the preparation of polysaccharide nanofibers by electrospinning and their application prospects in the field of wound healing. A variety of polysaccharide nanofibers, including chitosan, starch, alginate, and hyaluronic acid are introduced. The preparation strategy of polysaccharide electrospun nanofibers and their functions in promoting wound healing are summarized. In addition, the future prospects and challenges for the preparation of polysaccharide nanofibers by electrospinning are also discussed.

Removal of lead from aqueous solution using electrospun nanofibers: preparation, characterization, adsorption isotherm, and kinetic study

Lead is one of the most hazardous toxic heavy metal ions in industrial wastewater. The removal of Pb(II) from aqueous environment is an extremely essential topic due to acquiring clean water resources and its significant impact on human health. Adsorption is an effective and the most widely used method for heavy metal removal from an aqueous medium. Nanofibers have potential advantages in the adsorption of heavy metal ions from wastewater. In this study, nanofibers based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were fabricated for the removal of lead ions from aqueous samples. Nanofibers produced by electrospinning were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques. A batch system was used for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto cross-linked PVA (%10) and PVA (%10):MSs (%2) (Malva Sylestris L. seed biomaterial) nanofibers. The effectiveness of cross-linking was determined by the water absorbency test. The pH, adsorbent amount, adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic values were thoroughly investigated in the adsorption tests. Pb(II) adsorption on the polymer was confirmed by EDX analysis. The optimum values found were a pH of 6, an adsorbent dose of 5.0 mg, and a contact time of 120 min. Lead ion concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The Freundlich models could explain the results from the adsorption data. Similar results were obtained from adsorption isotherm models, and the results were found to support each other. The adsorption capacity for PVA (10%) and PVA (10%):MSs (2%) nanofibers were found to be 444.2 mg g^-1 and 588.2 mg g^-1, respectively. The adsorption capacity increases with the addition of MSs (2%) biomaterial. As a result, nanofibers can be used as effective adsorbents in the removal of Pb(II) ions. The developed methods are environmentally friendly and promising for the separation of toxic Pb(II) ions from aqueous systems, which is a major problem for environmental pollution.

An Investigation of Electrospun Clerodendrum phlomidis Leaves Extract Infused Polycaprolactone Nanofiber for In Vitro Biological Application

The in vitro antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities of a few plant extracts were widely known for decades, and they were used for application in the conventional way. Specifically, electrospun nanofibrous mats have recently exhibited great antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. The herbal extracts infused into these formations are expected to have a more efficient and integrated effect on in vitro biological applications. The purpose of this study is to develop polycaprolactone- (PCL-) based nanofiber mats that are infused with a traditional plant extract using Clerodendrum phlomidis leaves to improve the synthesized nanofibers' antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant efficacy. This study examined the morphology, thermal properties, mechanical properties, structure, and in vitro drug release studies of electrospun nanofibers. Antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities of the electrospun nanofibrous mats were also studied. The HRTEM and FESEM pictures of PCL and PCL-CPM nanofibers provide that smooth, defect-free, and homogeneous nanofibers were found to be 602.08 ± 75 nm and 414.15 ± 82 nm for PCL and PCL-CPM nanofibers, respectively. The presence of Clerodendrum phlomidis extract in the electrospun nanofibers was approved by UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy. The incorporation of Clerodendrum phlomidis extract to nanofiber mats resulted in substantial antibacterial activity against bacterial cells. PCL-CPM mats exposed to oral cancer (HSC-3) and renal cell carcinoma (ACHN) cell lines displayed promising anticancer activity with less than 50% survival rate after 24 h of incubation. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay performed on PCL-CPM nanofibers revealed the antioxidant scavenging activity with maximum inhibition of 34% suggesting the role of the secondary metabolites release from scaffold. As a result, the findings of this study revealed that Clerodendrum phlomidis extract encapsulating PCL electrospun nanofibers has a high potential for usage as a biobased antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant agent.

Solution blow spinning of highly deacetylated chitosan nanofiber scaffolds for dermal wound healing

Biocompatible fibrous scaffolds based on highly deacetylated chitosan were fabricated using high-throughput solution blow spinning. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the chitosan nanofiber scaffolds had ultrafine and continuous fibers (300-1200 nm) with highly interconnected porous structures (30-75% porosity), mimicking some aspects of the native extracellular matrix in skin tissue. Post-treatment of as-spun nanofibers with aqueous potassium carbonate solution resulted in a fibrous scaffold with a high chitosan content that retained its fibrous structural integrity for cell culture. Analysis of the mechanical properties of the chitosan nanofiber scaffolds in both dry and wet conditions showed that their strength and durability were sufficient for wound dressing applications. Significantly, the wet scaffold underwent remarkable elastic deformation during stretch such that the elongation at break dramatically increased to up to 44% of its original length, showing wavy fiber morphology near the break site. The culture of normal human dermal fibroblast cells onto scaffolds for 1-14 days demonstrated that the scaffolds were highly compatible and a suitable platform for cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation. Secretion profiles of wound healing-related proteins to the cell culture medium demonstrated that chitosan fibers were a promising scaffold for wound healing applications. Overall, the dense fibrous network with high porosity of the chitosan nanofiber scaffold and their mechanical properties indicate that they could be used to design and fabricate new materials that mimic the epidermis layer of natural skin.

Application of novel metal-organic framework [Zr-UiO-66-PDC-SO3H]FeCl4 in the synthesis of dihydrobenzo[g]pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline derivatives

In the current paper, we produce a new metal-organic framework (MOF) based on Zr metal, [Zr-UiO-66-PDC-SO3H]FeCl4, via an anion exchange method, which is fully characterized by FT-IR, SEM with elemental mapping and EDX, FE-SEM and TEM. Furthermore, the use of [Zr-UiO-66-PDC-SO3H]FeCl4 as a porous catalyst was examined for the one-pot synthesis of novel dihydrobenzo[g]pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline derivatives by reaction of 6-amino-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione and various aldehydes at 100 °C with good to excellent yields.

Preparation of Needleless Electrospinning Polyvinyl Alcohol/Water-Soluble Chitosan Nanofibrous Membranes: Antibacterial Property and Filter Efficiency

Electrospinning is an efficient method of producing nanofibers out of polymers that shows a great potential for the filtration territory. Featuring water-soluble chitosan (WS-CS), a low-pollution process and a self-made needleless machine, PVA/WS-CS nanofibrous membranes were prepared and evaluated for nanofiber diameter, bacteriostatic property, filtration efficiency, pressure drop, and quality factor. Test results indicate that the minimal fiber diameter was 216.58 ± 58.15 nm. Regardless of the WS-CS concentration, all of the PVA/WS-CS nanofibrous membranes attained a high porosity and a high water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), with a pore size of 12.06–22.48 nm. Moreover, the membranes also exhibit bacteriostatic efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, an optimal quality factor of 0.0825 Pa⁻¹, and a filtration efficiency as high as 97.0%, that is 72.5% higher than that of common masks.

Hyaluronic acid and chitosan-based electrospun wound dressings: Problems and solutions

To date, available review papers related to the electrospinning of biopolymers including polysaccharides for wound healing were focused on summarizing the process conditions for two candidates, namely chitosan and hyaluronic acid. However, most reviews lack the discussion of problems of hyaluronan and chitosan electrospun nanofibers for wound dressing applications. For this reason, it is required to update information by providing a comprehensive overview of all factors which may play a role in the electrospinning of hyaluronic acid and chitosan for applications of wound dressings. This review summarizes the fabricated chitosan and hyaluronic acid electrospun nanofibers as wound dressings in the last years, including methods of preparations of nanofibers and challenges for the electrospinning of both pure chitosan and hyaluronic acid and strategies how to overcome the existing difficulties. Moreover, in this review the biological roles and mechanisms of chitosan and hyaluronic acid in the wound healing process are explained including the advantages of nanofibers for ideal wound management using the common solvents, copolymers enhancing spinning process, and the most biologically active incorporated substances thereby providing drug delivery in wound healing.

Chitosan/PEO nanofibers containing Calendula officinalis extract: Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation for wound healing applications

Wound healing is a complex pathophysiological process, highlighting the importance of effective and thorough wound care along with the prevention of wound infection, a major barrier that can slow down or even disrupt the healing process. To date, there are plenty of herbal plants well known and historically supernatural, showing profound wound healing effects. Application of such herbal extracts/ingredients in electrospun nanofiber platforms has shown promising outcomes in improving wound healing process. Based on these facts, we loaded Calendula officinalis extract (CO) in chitosan/polyethylene oxide scaffolds (CS/PEO) by electrospinning. Using SEM, morphology of electrospun scaffolds showed a narrow range of fiber diameter, around 143--252 nm, with uniform and bead-free appearance. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CO extract in nanofibrous scaffolds. Of importance, incorporation of CO extract improved mechanical properties of CS/PEO nanofibers. A 1602 cP reduction in viscosity and a 0.892 ms/cm increase in the conductivity of the solution was observed after addition of the CO extract. CO extract showed strong antibacterial properties with 96% and 94% reduction in Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, respectively. In vitro studies with fibroblast cells confirmed enhanced proliferation, growth and attachment of the cells. The in vivo and histological analysis of rat wounds, revealed excellent wound healing ability of CS/PEO/CO dressings (87.5 % wound closure after 14 days) via improving collagen synthesis, re-epithelization and remodeling of the tissue. In sum, our findings show that CS/PEO/CO scaffolds can be used as a promising dressing for the treatment of skin wounds.

Multi-functional nanocellulose-chitosan dressing loaded with antibacterial lawsone for rapid hemostasis and cutaneous wound healing

Cutaneous wounds accompanied by massive bleeding, bacterial infections might be lethal and cause fundamental therapeutic impediments in clinical fields. As part of the push for a solution, biomaterial having hemostatic-antibacterial features is highly desirable. Inspired by this concept, freeze dried sponges were developed followed by combining tempo-oxidized nanocellulose (TOCN), chitosan using EDC/NHS cross-linker with antibacterial lawsone loading for controlled delivery of this compound during wound healing. The pore diameter decreased upon increasing chitosan (2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5% w/v) while TOCN ensured scaffold's mechanical stability. The in vitro degradation, lawsone release from fibroblast cell-compatible sponge was faster in acidic pH 5.5 than physiologic pH 7.4 indicating adaptability to physiological skin milieu of wounds. The rat tail amputation model, 14 days rat full-thickness cutaneous-wound model ensured hemostasis, dramatic wound closure after TLC4.5 (optimized scaffold) treatment suggesting its potential as functional wound healing substitute showing obvious avenue for hemostatis and skin tissue reconstruction arena.

Research progress, models and simulation of electrospinning technology: a review

In recent years, nanomaterials have aroused extensive research interest in the world's material science community. Electrospinning has the advantages of wide range of available raw materials, simple process, small fiber diameter and high porosity. Electrospinning as a nanomaterial preparation technology with obvious advantages has been studied, such as its influencing parameters, physical models and computer simulation. In this review, the influencing parameters, simulation and models of electrospinning technology are summarized. In addition, the progresses in applications of the technology in biomedicine, energy and catalysis are reported. This technology has many applications in many fields, such as electrospun polymers in various aspects of biomedical engineering. The latest achievements in recent years are summarized, and the existing problems and development trends are analyzed and discussed.

Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of novel dual drug loaded electrospun mat for wound dressing applications

Wound healing properties of some herbs have been known for decades. Recently, electrospun mats have been used as a wound dressing material due to the high surface area of fiber and ease of incorporation of drug into the fiber matrix. In this aspect, the incorporation of herbal extracts in electrospun matrix could provide synergistic effect for wound healing. In the present work, extracts from Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) and Galinsoga parviflora Cav (GP) were loaded into the PVA solution in different proportions. These solutions were used to produce nanofibrous mat in electrospinning and the characteristics of the mat were analyzed. The morphology of the fiber was analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), the presence of functional groups was identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The result of drug release shows that the GP extract loaded PVA nanofibrous mat has sustained drug release of 28% after 8 h of incubation compared to CQ loaded PVA nanofibrous mat. This trend follows as the concentration of GP increases in the mixture. The antimicrobial efficiency of the prepared mat was evaluated against both Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus. The prepared nanofibrous mat has shown excellent antibacterial activity, cell viability, hemocompatibility, and sufficient tensile properties which indicates that it could be a promising biomaterial for wound dressing application.

Microencapsulation of Cassia fistula Flower Extract with Chitosan and its Antibacterial Studies

INTRODUCTION

The plant used in the present study is Cassia fistula, which belongs to the family Leguminosae and has been used in Traditional medicinal systems ever since due to presence of copious amount of Phytochemicals with varying properties.

AIMS

This study is focussed on the extraction of phytochemicals from Cassia fistula flower and its subsequent encapsulation into chitosan matrix for applications in drug delivery. Chitosan is approved by FDA for its use in Pharmaceutical industries.

METHODS

The microsphere thus prepared by the current study is predicted to release the desired extract with medicinal properties in a controlled manner allowing more convenient and desired levels of drug administration as been characterized by several analytical techniques like FT-IR, NMR, Thermal analysis, SEM. The swelling study and release study of the prepared microsphere has been carried out in physiological pH 2 and 7.4. NMR study has shown that sitosterol and friedelin have been encapsulated successfully into the chitosan matrix.

RESULTS

The microspheres has shown upto 80% swelling in pH 2 upto 8 days and 60% of the in-vitro controlled drug release has also been found in pH 2 upto 2 days. The thermal studies using TGA and DSC supported the thermal stabilities of CS beads, CFFE and CFFE-CS beads also it showed the dispersion of the CFFE in the cavities of Chitosan matrix.

CONCLUSION

The Biomedical application of the synthesized CFFE-CS beads have also been reported on the basis of their antibacterial studies.

Preparation and characterization of sodium alginate-PVA polymeric scaffolds by electrospinning method for skin tissue engineering applications

Sodium alginate (SA) has proven its high potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. One of the main weaknesses of this polysaccharide is its low spinnability. Nanofiber-based scaffolds are of interest to scientists for biomedical engineering. The main aim of this study was to improve the spinnability of SA in combination with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The main parameters in the electrospinning of the optimized SA:PVA ratio, including voltage, flow rate, and working space were also optimized. To achieve this, response surface methodology under central composite design was employed to design the experiments scientifically. The final nanofiber scaffolds were studied using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for degradability, swelling, tensile strength, porosity, nanofiber diameter, contact angle, and cytotoxicity. Based on the results, the best ratio for SA : PVA was 1 : 6.5 that was spinnable in various values for the process parameters. The fabricated scaffolds under these conditions revealed good physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological features. L929 cell lines revealed high viability during 48 h culture. The results revealed that uniform and homogeneous nanofibers with regular size distribution (166 nm) were obtained at 30 kV, 0.55 μL h^-1, and 12.50 cm. To sum up, the fabricated scaffolds with the optimized ratio under the reported conditions indicate at good biologically compatible candidates for skin tissue engineering.

Electrospinning of chitosan-based nanofibers: from design to prospective applications

Chitosan is a biopolymer originating from renewable resources, with great properties which make it an attractive candidate for plenty of applications of contemporary interest. By manufacturing chitosan into nanofibers using the electrospinning method, its potential is amplified due to the enhancement of the active surface and the low preparation cost. Many attempts were made with the aim of preparing chitosan-based nanofibers with controlled morphology targeting their use for tissue engineering, wound healing, food packaging, drug delivery, air and water purification filters. This was a challenging task, which resulted in a high amount of data, sometimes with apparent contradictory results. In this light, the goal of the paper is to present the main routes reported in the literature for chitosan electrospinning, stressing the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of various electrospinning parameters on the morphological characteristics of the fibers and their suitability for distinct applications.

Chelidoniummajus L. Incorporated Emulsion Electrospun PCL/PVA_PEC Nanofibrous Meshes for Antibacterial Wound Dressing Applications

Presently, there are many different types of wound dressings available on the market. Nonetheless, there is still a great interest to improve the performance and efficiency of these materials. Concerning that, new dressing materials containing natural products, such as medicinal plants that protect the wound from infections but also enhance skin regeneration have been or are being developed. Herein, we used for the first time a needleless emulsion electrospinning technique for incorporating Chelidoniummajus L. (C. majus), a medicinal plant widely known for its traditional therapeutic properties, in Polycaprolactone (PCL)/Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)_Pectin (PEC) nanofibrous meshes. Moreover, the potential use of these electrospun nanofibers as a carrier for C. majus was also explored. The results obtained revealed that the produced PCL/PVA_PEC nanofibrous meshes containing C. majus extract displayed morphological characteristics similar to the natural extracellular matrix of the skin (ECM). Furthermore, the produced meshes showed beneficial properties to support the healing process. Additionally, the C. majus-loaded PCL/PVA_PEC nanofibrous meshes inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) growth, reaching a 3.82 Log reduction, and showed to be useful for controlled release, without causing any cytotoxic effect on the normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cells. Hence, these findings suggest the promising suitability of this novel wound dressing material for prevention and treatment of bacterial wound infections.

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro-in silico biological activities of Jatropha pelargoniifolia extract loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Jatropha pelargoniifolia (JP) is a medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional medicine owing to its broad range of therapeutic activities. Despite its promising pharmacological activities, the use of plant extracts has several limitations which can be overcome using pharmaceutical nanotechnology. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the effect of nanoencapsulation on the antimicrobial and anticancer activities of JP extract. JP-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (JP-CSNPs) were prepared using the ionic gelation method and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of the nanoparticles. The mean particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of optimized JP-CSNPs were 185.5 nm, 44 mV, and 78.5%, respectively. The release profile of the JP-CSNPs was mainly dependent on the pH of the surrounding medium, and the JP extract was released in a controlled manner over time. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in JP extract were 191.8 mg GAE/g extract and 51.4 mg of QE/g extract, respectively. The results of a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that JP-CSNPs retained the antioxidant activity of unencapsulated JP extract. JP-CSNPs also exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria than against gram-negative bacteria, and their minimum inhibitory concentration was 1.6-fold lower than that of blank nanoparticles, indicating the synergy between JP extract and nanoparticles. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells revealed that JP-CSNPs had a 2-fold lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration than free extract. Molecular docking analyses revealed that the active phytoconstituent of JP extract, linarin, binds strongly to the active sites of bacterial DNA gyrase B and human DNA topoisomerase IIα and thus, may inhibit their activities. Computational analysis results supported the in vitro finding that JP-CSNPs act as an anticancer and antimicrobial agent. Taken together, the results of this study highlighted the advantages of using CSNPs as a nanocarrier for herbal extracts, thus providing a potential strategy for improving plant-based therapeutics.

Application of Fish Collagen-Nanochitosan-Henna Extract Composites for the Control of Skin Pathogens and Accelerating Wound Healing

Skin is the largest protective organ that could be recurrently wounded and attacked by microorganisms. The wounded skin safeguarding and supporting were intended through natural derivatives. Fish collagen (Cg) type I, extracted from sea bream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), chitosan nanoparticles (NCht) from shrimp shells, and henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) leaves extract (He) were produced and physiochemically characterized. The antimicrobial potentialities of these compounds and their composites were assessed toward skin pathogens (Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus) using various assaying methods and microimaging techniques. The infrared and electrophoretic analysis of Cg validated its characteristics, and the IR-spectroscopic analysis of the compounds/composites indicated their physiochemical attributes and interrelations. The produced NCht particles had a diameter range of 64.6-308.8 nm, 104 nm mean diameter, and +31.3 mV zeta potentiality. Both NCht, He, and NCht/He composite exhibited significant antimicrobial potentiality toward skin pathogens; NCht/He was the strongest with inhibitory concentrations of 20.0 and 22.5 μg/mL and inhibition zones of 25.7 and 26.8 mm against S. aureus and C. albicans, respectively. The electron micrographs verified the synergistic microbicidal action of NCht/He, as they led to severe microbial lysis and deformations. The skin wounds’ treatment with NCht/He/Cg composite promoted the fastest and complete healing of wounded rats’ skin during 8 days of local treatment, with the absence of inflammation and infection signs; treated with NCht/He/Cg composite, the wound area vastly reduced from 63.6 mm2 to 15.9 and 9.1 mm2 after 2 and 4 days, respectively. The natural NCht/He/Cg composites are recommended as topical applications for optimum skin disinfection and regeneration.

Determination of Phthalate Esters in Cosmetics and Baby Care Products by a Biosorbent Based on Lawsone Capped Chitosan and Followed by Liquid Chromatography

This research presents a green synthetic pathway for the preparation of a new biosorbent and eco-friendly extraction process of three phthalate esters: dimethyl phthalate, di-butyl phthalate and benzyl butyl phthalate, from cosmetics and baby care products. Dispersive solid-phase extraction was used based on a new core-shell biomass/sorbent; chitosan-loaded lawsone. The proposed method provides fortunate trapping of phthalate esters in a one-step extraction. Under the optimized extraction conditions, the current work was presented low detection limits (0.03-0.15 ng. g-1), limits of quantification (0.1-0.5 ng·g-1) and reasonable linearity (0.1-10 000 ng. g-1). The applicability of the method was estimated by recovery experiments at different spiking levels (n = 5) for phthalate esters in the real samples.