Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Performance of Polycaprolactone Electrospun-Based Nanofibers Incorporating Propolis and Quercus Infectoria Gall Extracts

Abstract

Background: A highly effective antibacterial wound dressing was developed in this investigation by developing a novel bioactive functional nanostructure. Methods: Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) and Q.infectoria galls (QIG) were processed to obtain their respective extracts. The antibacterial properties of the individual EEP and QIG extracts and their combined effects were investigated. Based on the antibacterial test results, solutions containing polycaprolactone (PCL), PCL/EEP, PCL/QIG and PCL/EEP/QIG were prepared. These solutions were then used to fabricate nanobased mats through electrospinning. The resulting nanofibers were examined in terms of their physical, chemical and biological traits. In order to assess the wound healing capabilities, in vivo experiments were conducted, wherein the efficacy of the scaffolds in combating Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections on wounds was evaluated. Results: The nanoscale structure of the electrospun nanofibers was confirmed through FESEM analysis, while the successful integration of EEP and QIG in the PCL-based electrospun nanofiber was validated using FTIR. By including both EEP and QIG bioactive extracts in the nanofiber, improved antibacterial and antioxidant activities were achieved without compromising the viability of human fibroblast cells. The use of PCL/EEP/QIG dressings led to wound closure rates of 85% and 100% on the 5th and 15th day of treatment, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the combination of EEP and QIG extracts. Conclusions: The remarkable outcomes have presented encouraging prospects for using PCL/EEP/QIG as a highly effective wound dressing with antibacterial properties in clinical trials.