Preparation and evaluation of a polycaprolactone/chitosan/propolis fibrous nanocomposite scaffold as a tissue engineering skin substitute

Abstract

Introduction: Recently, the application of nanofibrous mats for dressing skin wounds has received great attention. In this study, we aimed to fabricate and characterize an electrospun nanofibrous mat containing polycaprolactone (PCL), chitosan (CTS), and propolis for use as a tissue-engineered skin substitute. Methods: Raw propolis was extracted, and its phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. The physiochemical and biological properties of the fabricated mats, including PCL, PCL/CTS, and PCL/CTS/Propolis were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), mechanical analysis, swelling and degradation behaviors, contact angle measurement, cell attachment, DAPI staining, and MTT assay. On the other hand, the drug release pattern of propolis from the PCL/CTS/Propolis scaffold was determined. A deep second-degree burn wound model was induced in rats to investigate wound healing using macroscopical and histopathological evaluations. Results: The results revealed that the propolis extract contained high amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The fabricated scaffold had suitable physicochemical and mechanical properties. Uniform, bead-free, and well-branched fibers were observed in SEM images of mats. AFM analysis indicated that the addition of CTS and propolis to PCL elevated the surface roughness. MTT results revealed that the electrospun PCL/CTS/Propolis mat was biocompatible. The presence of fibroblast cells on the PCL/CTS/Propolis mats was confirmed by DAPI staining and SEM images. Also, propolis was sustainably released from the PCL/CTS/Propolis mat. The animal study revealed that addition of propolis significantly improved wound healing. Conclusion: The nanofibrous PCL/CTS/Propolis mat can be applied as a tissue-engineered skin substitute for healing cutaneous wounds, such as burn wounds.

The wound healing effect of polycaprolactone-chitosan scaffold coated with a gel containing Zataria multiflora Boiss. volatile oil nanoemulsions

“…In numerous previous research investigations, it has been consistently observed that PCL/chitosan scaffolds exhibit a considerably greater ability to absorb water when compared to scaffolds made from pure PCL. Additionally, as the proportion of chitosan within the composite increases, the extent of swelling in these scaffolds has shown a noticeable enhancement [85][86][87].…”

“…Another study combined PCL and chitosan solutions with acetic acid at a 3:1 volume ratio. This significantly reduced UTS and elongation at break due to introducing chitosan into the PCL solution [86]. Saatcioglu et al assessed the impact of chitosan on ligament scaffolds produced through electrospinning.…”

Skin wound healing using topical treatment with própolis

“…The definition of the model becomes fascinating because the process of healing skin lesions is highly complex. In the skin, the lesion can result from various severe or chronic processes, from trauma, pressure, burns, or even diseases such as diabetes, which promote either complete wound repair or loss of skin functionality (Hashemi et al, 2023;Singer & Clark, 1999).…”

Trends in the Incorporation of Antiseptics into Natural Polymer-Based Nanofibrous Mats

“…Other authors have also included chitosan, as a representative of natural polymers, with natural antimicrobial additives in their experiments. Chitosan was often spun in combination with synthetic hydrophobic PCL or PVP to improve the spinnability and mechanical stability of the nanofiber layers in a moist environment [ 83 , 84 , 85 ], or hydrophilic PEO or PVA. Hydrophilic fiber matrices are crosslinked before application, or the composition is adjusted to prevent fast dissolution but to allow gradual swelling [ 86 , 87 ].…”

“…Antimicrobial natural additives of various kinds are usually directly incorporated into the spinning solution, resulting in the formation of nanofibers with the additive both within and on the fiber surface. In the case of the PCL + CHIT + Propolis combination [ 83 ], nanofibers were prepared from a uniform solvent system. The ability of propolis to penetrate the nanofiber matrix was verified through release tests.…”