Multifunctional electrospun nanofiber films of polyacrylonitrile and polyvinyl alcohol incorporating rhamnose and therapeutic agents for enhanced healing of infected burn wounds.

Abstract

Infected burn wounds present significant clinical challenges due to delayed healing and risk of infection, necessitating advanced treatments that offer both antimicrobial and regenerative properties. This study aimed to develop and evaluate multifunctional electrospun nanofiber films incorporating rhamnose (as an angiogenic agent) and therapeutic agents, namely fluticasone, mupirocin, ciprofloxacin, and silver sulfadiazine, for the enhanced healing of infected burn wounds. Nanofibers containing rhamnose, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol and therapeutic agents were fabricated via electrospinning. The nanofibers were characterized chemically and biologically. FTIR confirmed successful drug incorporation, while XRD indicated a reduced crystallinity in drug-loaded nanofibers. SEM analysis revealed bead formation in some formulations. MTT assays demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity, with formulations F2 (containing all components) and F4 (containing all components except silver sulfadiazine) showing enhanced activity due to rhamnose. Antibacterial studies indicated superior efficacy of formulations F1 (containing all components except rhamnose) and F2 against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while anti-inflammatory assays highlighted strong ROS inhibition by formulations containing rhamnose. In vivo wound healing studies for 14 days showed faster wound closure and reduced scarring in groups treated with nanofiber formulations F1-F4, particularly those containing multiple active agents, achieving up to 30% faster healing than the control group. The multifunctional nanofibers exhibited promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, making them potential candidates for treating infected burn wounds. Further studies are needed to optimize the formulations for clinical.