Electrospun Naringin-Loaded Fibers for Preventing Scar Formation during Wound Healing

Abstract

Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) are aberrant structures that develop where skin is injured complexly and represent the result of a chronic inflammation as a healing response. To date, there is no satisfactory prevention option for HTSs, which is due to the complexity of multiple mechanisms behind the formation of these structures. The present work aimed to propose Biofiber (Biodegradable fiber), an advanced textured electrospun dressing, as a suitable solution for HTS formation in complex wounds. Biofiber has been designed as a 3-day long-term treatment to protect the healing environment and enhance wound care practices. Its textured matrix consists of homogeneous and well-interconnected Poly-L-lactide-co-poly-ε-caprolactone (PLA-PCL) electrospun fibers (size 3.825 ± 1.12 µm) loaded with Naringin (NG, 2.0% w/w), a natural antifibrotic agent. The structural units contribute to achieve an optimal fluid handling capacity demonstrated through a moderate hydrophobic wettability behavior (109.3 ± 2.3°), and a suitable balance between absorbency (389.8 ± 58.16%) and moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR, 2645 ± 60.43 g/m2 day). The flexibility and conformability of Biofiber to the body surfaces is due to its innovative circular texture, that also allow it to obtain finer mechanical properties after 72 h in contact with Simulated Wound Fluid (SWF), with an elongation of 352.6 ± 36.10%, and a great tenacity (0.25 ± 0.03 Mpa). The ancillary action of NG results in a prolonged anti-fibrotic effect on Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF), through the controlled release of NG for 3 days. The prophylactic action was highlighted at day 3 with the down regulation of the major factors involved in the fibrotic process: Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1), Collagen Type 1 alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). No significant anti-fibrotic effect has been demonstrated on Hypertrophic Human Fibroblasts derived from scars (HSF), proving the potential of Biofiber to minimize HTSs in the process of early wound healing as a prophylactic therapy.

Electrospun Fibers Loaded with Pirfenidone: An Innovative Approach for Scar Modulation in Complex Wounds

“…The combination of these two polymers as copolymers or polymer blends enables the production of materials with the desired characteristics of both constituent elements. PLA is renowned for its stability and robustness, while PCL is widely used in wound healing products due to its intrinsic tissue adhesion and excellent conformability [3,17,18,50].…”

“…The choice of the circular pattern was made after considering earlier research findings, which had shown its effectiveness in enhancing the mechanical characteristics of the dressing and its ability to conform well to the contours of the body's surface. Additionally, this particular and bright texture contributes to wound transpiration and modulates the exudate [3,36]. To further enhance breathability, the electrospinning process was designed to control the pore size and distribution.…”

“…Although the specific etiology of hypertrophic scarring is unknown, several factors, including the type and extent of the injury, are thought to have a role. Due to a protracted and elevated inflammatory response, dysregulation in the wound healing cascade, and an excess of collagen at the site of the lesion, hypertrophic scars are likely to develop following burns and surgical treatments [3].…”

Transforming Wound Management: Nanomaterials and Their Clinical Impact

“…The electrospinning technique allows for the production of nanofibers with a higher surface area and dissolution rate, which can improve drug release [ 42 ]. The larger surface area to volume ratio of electrospun nanofibers enables them to load a large amount of drug, making them ideal for drug delivery applications [ 43 , 44 , 45 ].…”

Study on the application of functional nanofiber membrane in wound tissue engineering

“…This study provides a new method for absorbing exudate and draining sweat. Erika Marie Tottoli et al [18] prepared a textured bandage of PLA-PCL, which achieves an optimal balance of moisture retention, flexibility, and skin-fitting properties and provides technical support for subsequent studies of textured dressings.…”