Development and characterization of electrospun curcumin-loaded PVA/gelatin based nanofibers scaffolds for skin tissue engineering

Abstract

Chronic skin wounds have a profound impact on the global population, affecting over 40 million individuals and resulting in healthcare expenditures exceeding $20 billion annually by 2025. Researchers have developed wound dressings using biocompatible polymers that possess bioactive properties to combat this pressing issue. The present research focuses on fabricating a nanofiber-based composite structure made of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Gelatin, incorporating varying concentrations of curcumin (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/ml). The fabrication process employed electrospinning techniques to create nanofiber-based scaffolds that closely mimic the native structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) found in the skin. The developed nanofiber mats underwent comprehensive characterization through a sequence of in-vitro experiments, encompassing SEM imaging, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in-vitro release studies, and evaluation of tensile strength, swelling, and degradation. SEM images revealed a notable reduction in the mean fiber diameter, swelling potential and extent of degradation following the addition of curcumin. Regarding drug release, curcumin demonstrated a biphasic release profile in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and Tween 80 solutions. The PVA/gelatin (PG) mats containing curcumin displayed strong antimicrobial effects against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus. The biocompatibility of the membranes was further confirmed through cytocompatibility testing utilizing the L929 cell line. Overall, this research indicates that wound dressings made from nanofibers composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin, incorporating curcumin, exhibit considerable potential for treating cutaneous wounds. However, additional research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of these dressings in vivo.