A novel Aloe Vera-Loaded Ethylcellulose/Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Nanofibrous Mat Designed For Wound Healing Application

Abstract

Newly, the usage of nanofibers (NFs) as wound dressings with the aim of their rapid healing and prevention of bacterial infection has been considered by researchers. In this regard, we produced the ethylcellulose/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose NFs incorporated with Aloe-vera (EC/HPMC/Alv) by the electrospinning technique. The produced NFs were investigated for their chemical structure, morphological, mechanical, thermal stability, degradation, swelling, cell viability, and antibacterial properties. Amongst the produced NFs, the NF samples containing 10% Alv illustrated the appropriate thermal stability and tensile properties. The produced NFs did not show any cell cytotoxicity which indicates their good compatibility. Also, NFs containing Alv significantly (P<0.05) increased cell proliferation and adhesion. In addition, the NFs/Alv sample was indicated antibacterial ability against S. aureus (10.21 ± 1.21 mm) and E. coli (5.06 ± 1.3 mm) pathogenic bacteria. As a result, these findings suggest that the produced NFs could be applied as an active mat for wound dressing application.

Effect of solvent and additives on the electrospinnability of BSA solutions

“…A value of ca. 5 MPa was also found for the ultimate tensile stress of EC/HPMC electrospun nanofiber mats [83]. In any case, the results obtained in this study confirm reasonably good mechanical strength for the BSA/HPMC membranes, which are also characterized by the limited deformation…”