Development of Electrospun Chitosan-Polyethylene Oxide/Fibrinogen Biocomposite for Potential Wound Healing Applications

Abstract

Normal wound healing is a highly complex process that requires the interplay of various growth factors and cell types. Despite advancements in biomaterials, only a few bioactive wound dressings reach the clinical setting. The purpose of this research was to explore the feasibility of electrospinning a novel nanofibrous chitosan (CS)-fibrinogen (Fb) scaffold capable of sustained release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) for the promotion of fibroblast migration and wound healing. CS-Fb scaffolds were successfully electrospun using a dual-spinneret electrospinner and directly evaluated for their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. CS-polyethylene/Fb scaffolds exhibited thinner fiber diameters than nanofibers electrospun from the individual components while demonstrating adequate mechanical properties and homogeneous polymer distribution. In addition, the scaffold demonstrated acceptable water transfer rates for wound healing applications. PDGF was successfully incorporated in the scaffold and maintained functional activity throughout the electrospinning process. Furthermore, released PDGF was effective at promoting fibroblast migration equivalent to a single 50 ng/mL dose of PDGF. The current study demonstrates that PDGF-loaded CS-Fb nanofibrous scaffolds possess characteristics that would be highly beneficial as novel bioactive dressings for enhancement of wound healing.

From Dermal Patch to Implants—Applications of Biocomposites in Living Tissues

“…In a similar approach, Yuan et al [57] developed a fibrous scaffold composed of chitosan, polyethylene oxide and fibrinogen, in which platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was successfully incorporated, as illustrated in Figure 4b. PDGF helps to regulate matrix deposition and act as an initiator of the wound healing process [58].…”

“…Nanohydroxyapatite and glycol chitosan [10] Hydroxyapatite and polymeric blend (fibroin, chitosan and agarose) [11] Calcium silicate, zinc silicate and graphene oxide [15] Collagen, silk fibroin and dECM [26] Boron nitride and boron trioxide [28] Nanohydroxyapatite, calcium sulfate and bioactive molecules [32] Orthopedic Implants PEEK and graphene oxide [39] CFRPEEK, nanohydroxyapatite, carboxymethyl, chitosan and bone forming peptide [41] Polyphenylene sulfide and nanohydroxyapatite [42] Polyimide and tantalum pentaoxide [43] Hydroxyapatite, ceria nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles [44] Wound Healing Polycaprolactone and gelatin [54] Chitosan, polyethylene oxide and fibrinogen [57] Collagen, alginate and silver nanoparticles [60] Polyurethane, keratin and silver nanoparticles [63] Collagen and dextran [65] Tissue Engineering Fibrin, alginate and genipin [68] PEDOT, chitosan and gelatin [70] Polycaprolactone, silk fibroin and carbon nanotubes [71] Silk fibroin and melanin [78] Polycaprolactone and collagen [82] Gelatin, alginate and fibrinogen [88] Collagen type I and gelatin methacryloyl [89] Author Contributions: Conceptualization, K.P.V., A.B., and A.S.; writing-original draft preparation, K.P.V. ; writing-review and editing, K.P.V., A.B., and A.S.; supervision, A.B.…”

“…Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was released from the scaffolds, displaying a dose-dependent profile (bottom). Reprinted with permission from Reference[57]. (c) Schematic illustration of fabrication of polyurethane/keratin/silver nanoparticles scaffold (top).…”

Advances in Electrospinning of Natural Biomaterials for Wound Dressing

“…Surgery, burns, or chronic diseases can damage skin integrity, affect homeostasis, and cause wound infection [5]. However, wound healing is a very complicated process, and both acute and chronic skin injury treatments face great challenges in clinical practice [6]. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to develop new skin substitutes to promote skin repair and shorten the course of treatment [7].…”

“…(1) It has good moisture absorption (2) It can effectively maintain exudate around the wound but does not form effusion (3) It has light adhesion to wound tissue and is not easy to scab, which can reduce the damage to new tissue when the dressing is removed (4) The raw materials used have certain antibacterial properties, showing good antibacterial effects (5) It can prevent wound infection again, which is unlikely to cause disease (6) The dressing materials should be biocompatible, absorb excess exudates, and possess bioactive properties to promote wound healing (e.g., antibacterial behavior) [13,14].…”