From fibers electrospun with honey to the healing of wounds: a review

Abstract

In order to take advantage of the antiseptic and healing properties of honey, the preparation of polymeric micro and nanofibers with honey from bees has been investigated in many parts of the world, in order to enhance their use in the development of biomedical products such as dressings, bandages and other elements that favor wound closure and tissue restoration. To contribute to this line of research, a background review is presented here on the application of the electrospinning technique in the preparation of micro and nanofiber membranes with honey, focusing on experimental methodology including the use of polymers, solvents, therapeutic agents, active principles or drugs loaded in apitherapeutic fibers. Electrospinning techniques and parameters, tests and material characterization methods have been compiled, presenting the effect of these variables on the compositional, morphological, mechanical and physicochemical properties of the fibrous meshes. A compendium of biological tests evaluated in vitro and in vivo was made in order to analyze the functionality and potential of the application of fibers in tissue engineering, as well as in the construction of devices for clinical diagnosis and in general for the development of advanced materials for wound treatment. This review sees the establishment of the methodological foundations for the design of new materials based on honey and plant extracts not yet explored, and which could be developed into compounds of high scientific and industrial interest.