Graphical Abstract

Project Overview

In recent years, the development of smart wound dressings with controlled drug release and antibacterial properties has attracted significant attention, particularly for the treatment of chronic and infected wounds. In this study, a wound dressing based on the Eudragit® L100-55 copolymer combined with chitosan and polycaprolactone (PCL) was fabricated and synthesized. The dressing was prepared using the uniaxial electrospinning method, and during the process, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were generated in situ from silver nitrate under thermal treatment within the polymeric matrix. This approach resulted in uniform fibers with suitable morphology and a homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles throughout the polymer network.

Major Outcomes

• Suitable microstructure for mass transfer: A continuous and porous nanofiber matrix with a reasonable fiber diameter distribution was obtained; TEM confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles inside and on the fibers. This architecture, together with controlled hydrophilicity and porosity, provides pathways for liquid penetration and silver exit.
• Crystalline-chemical stability of the matrix and Ag formation: FTIR and XRD showed the integrity of the polymer phases and evidence consistent with metallic Ag was observed; heat treatment did not distort the PCL structure.
• pH-dependent release and explainable kinetics: Silver release was observed at pH 5.5 < 4.7 < 2.8. The Korsmeyer–Peppas model had the best fit in the valid range; at lower pH, the behavior was predominantly diffusive and with increasing pH, a transition to mixed transport (Diffusion+Erosion) was observed. This pH-dependent response is a means of adjusting the drug flux to suit the wound bed conditions.
• Antimicrobial effect: In all samples, the percentage reduction and the diameter of the halo are acceptable. CFU (contact) and halo (diffusible) are complementary and their alignment with the release increases the validity of the conclusions.
• Acceptable biocompatibility at intermediate doses: MTT (indirect method, L929) showed that the initial extracts (day 1) have a stronger effect on the reduction of viability and an improvement trend is observed on days 3 and 7. Low-dose formulations are acceptable.
• Mechanical adequacy for handling: Tensile results showed that the strength and flexibility of the samples are sufficient for manipulation and clinical use; shrinkage due to treatment was at a level that maintained the integrity of the network.

Paper Source

In Press. Check back for updates!