DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTROSPUN POLY(VINYLPYRROLIDONE) (PVP) NANOFIBER MATS LOADED BY CALENDULA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT AND COENZYME Q10

Abstract

Electrospun systems can be applied to various areas, particularly in biomedicine for skin treatment. The fabricated nanofibers represent an interconnected three-dimensional network with a high surface area to volume ratio providing structural and morphological similarities with the extracellular matrix. Hence, facilitate the removal of exudates, promote gaseous exchange, conform to the contour of the treated area and in the case of drug-loaded nanofibers resulting in improved bioavailability. Polyvinylpyrrolidone was selected as a polymer carrier due to its biocompatible, hydrophilic nature with good chemical and mechanical properties, approved by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a safe polymer for biomedical and food applications. Calendula officinalis or Marigold extract is one of the oldest medical plants with numerous proven pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial/antifungal and wound healing activity related to the components of the flowers such as sesquiterpenes, saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, Ubiquinone) is a naturally occurring oil-soluble antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that supports collagen production, mostly popularized as an anti-aging ingredient in skincare products for topical use. Novel Marigold extract and CoQ10–loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers intended for skin treatment and wound therapy were developed using the electrospinning technique. The presence of functional groups on the nanofibrous surfaces was confirmed by FTIR analysis, the SEM images show the average size of the obtained nanomats and the thermal properties were investigated via DSC analysis.