Herbal Extract Loaded Chitosan-Based Nanofibers as a Potential Wound-Dressing

Abstract

Semelil is an herbal-based compound which is used for the treatment of chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers. On the other hand, Electrospun nanofibers have many characteristics such as mimicking extracellular matrix structure, efficiency as bacterial barrier, appropriate water vapor transmission rate, and provision of adequate gaseous exchange which make them ideal candidates for wound-healing application. The aim of this study was to incorporate Semelil in electrospun nanofibers to benefit both the advantages of Semelil and electrospun nanofibers for the treatment of wounds. To this aim, the blend solution of chitosan, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and the herbal extract were electrospun and chitosan-based nanofibers loaded with the herbal extract were fabricated. The as-spun fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling ratio and drug release behavior of the electrospun fibers were also studied. Uniform and bead-free nanofibrous mats loaded with 10-50 Wt. %extract were successfully fabricated. The FTIR spectrum indicated that the chemical nature of chitosan was not changed in the process of electrospinning. TGA analysis confirm both polymers and extract in electrospun mats. The extract loaded mats showed a high swelling ratio and a burst release of extract after 1h incubation in PBS. Mats with lower amount of drug exhibited graduate increase in the cumulative release of drug after initial burst release.