Developing and Screening of a Bacteria-Fighting and Moisture-Controlling Coccinia grandis and Poly(vinyl alcohol) Electrospun Nanofibrous Mat

Abstract

Nanofibers are extensively employed in the antimicrobial industry owing to their remarkable properties and diverse applications. Managing wounds poses a significant and enduring challenge for healthcare systems globally. This study aims to produce and evaluate electrospun nanofiber mats made from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Coccinia grandis (C. grandis) leaf extract, highlighting the medicinal properties of this herbal product for potential biomedical applications (wound dressing). During the evaluations, a 60:40 ratio of PVA to leaf extract was found to be suitable, and the electrospinning process was utilized for production. Scanning electron microscopy was employed for morphological assessment, and an antibacterial assay was conducted against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) to evaluate cell cytotoxicity. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and moisture management behavior (moisture management test) analyses were performed on the fabricated electrospun nanofibrous mat. The formation of small beads was confirmed, with the nanofibers having an average diameter of 295.07 ± 0.0032 nm and a porosity of approximately 76%, which is adequate for oxygen circulation and air ventilation, ensuring skin breathability. Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) exhibited a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 14 mm, while Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) showed a ZOI of 10 mm, attributed to the presence of a thick peptidoglycan cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria with no cell toxicity (100% cell viability). FTIR confirms the formation of weak van der Waals bonds and represents H-bonds between PVA polymer and C. grandis leaf extract. Furthermore, according to the MMT analysis, the electrospun nanofibrous mat demonstrates rapid absorption and slow drying properties. Therefore, the produced electrospun nanofibrous mat could prove beneficial for wound dressing purposes.