Electrospun Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-3-Hydroxyvalerate)/Olive Leaf Extract Fiber Mesh as Prospective Bio-Based Scaffold for Wound Healing

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biopolyesters synthesized by various microorganisms. Due to their biocompatibility and biodegradation, PHAs have been proposed for biomedical applications, including tissue engineering scaffolds. Olive leaf extract (OLE) can be obtained from agri-food biowaste and is a source of polyphenols with remarkable antioxidant properties. This study aimed at incorporating OLE inside poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) fibers via electrospinning to obtain bioactive bio-based blends that are useful in wound healing. PHBHV/OLE electrospun fibers with a size of 1.29 ± 0.34 µm were obtained. Fourier transform infrared chemical analysis showed a uniform surface distribution of hydrophilic -OH groups, confirming the presence of OLE in the electrospun fibers. The main OLE phenols were released from the fibers within 6 days. The biodegradation of the scaffolds in phosphate buffered saline was investigated, demonstrating an adequate stability in the presence of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), an enzyme produced in chronic wounds. The scaffolds were preliminarily tested in vitro with HFFF2 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes, suggesting adequate cytocompatibility. PHBHV/OLE fiber meshes hold promising features for wound healing, including the treatment of ulcers, due to the long period of durability in an inflamed tissue environment and adequate cytocompatibility.

A Straightforward Method to Produce Multi-Nanodrug Delivery Systems for Transdermal/Tympanic Patches Using Electrospinning and Electrospray

“…Bead formation during the electrospinning process is a common phenomenon that can change fiber properties [35]. When selecting appropriate electrospinning conditions, and most importantly, a suitable solvent system, PHBHV ultrafine fibers with a homogeneous morphology, a relatively uniform diameter and with a few amounts of beads were formed, consistently with previous studies [36]. The presence of DEX (10% w%) slightly increased fiber size (from 0.93 ± 0.23 µm of plain PHBHV to 1.11 ± 0.44 µm of DEX-loaded PHBHV).…”

“…After 28 days, PHBHV mass loss was ~3.5% in PBS, also in addition of metalloproteinase 9, and the very first signs of surface erosion started to be visible [38]. Therefore, we considered electrospun PHBHV fiber meshes suitable for being in contact with inflamed tissues due to their durability and capability of releasing bioactive agents [36,38]. Electrospinning is a suitable technology to produce ultrafine PHBHV fibers, wherein indeed no significant difference was observed with FTIR in the chemical structure of electrospun fibers in comparison to polymer powder.…”

“…Our results showed that a gradual and controlled release of DEX from the electrospun patch occurred over the whole period of the analysis (i.e., 28 days). Moreover, it was observed that the release tended to continue for longer times, since the release curve had not yet reached the equilibrium at 28 days, thus enabling a means for long-term drug delivery, which could be attributed to the hydrophobic nature of PHBHV copolymer, in which drug release is affected by diffusion, followed by hydrolytic biodegradation, which in vitro started around 4 weeks [36]. Many conditions would ideally require a longer yet optimal transdermal therapy than currently available solutions.…”

“…Having an all-in-one method to produce transdermal/tympanic multi-nanodrug delivery patches would advance these TDDSs to enter the market and improve the treatment of skin and ear diseases, not only by a pharmacological action of the drugs, but also by a regenerative action of the fiber scaffolds [36,53].…”

Integrating Chinese Herbs and Western Medicine for New Wound Dressings through Handheld Electrospinning

“…In recent decades, the rapid advancement of nanotechnology and study of new excipients has led to significant improvements in the bioavailability of drugs, while simultaneously promoting safe, effective, and convenient drug delivery systems [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Hence, many newly proven safe and biocompatible excipients have been introduced, such as PVA, PVP, PEO, PCL, gelatin, etc.…”