Antimicrobial electrospun fibrous scaffolds and their potential use as wound dressings

Title: Antimicrobial electrospun fibrous scaffolds and their potential use as wound dressings

Abstract:

Traditional wound dressings historically served to clean, shield, and safeguard wounds from external factors. However, the right dressing choice can expedite healing, provide cost-effective care, and enhance a patient's well-being. Electrospun fibers, renowned for their varied traits like biocompatibility, biodegradability, adequate strength, and moisture retention, have gained popularity. A sought after feature is the ability to combat microorganisms. Thus, this research aims to propose a wound dressing system using functionalized electrospun nanofibers comprising poly(caprolactone)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PCL/PVP) blended with a nanocomposite of Chitosan/Silver Nanocrystals/Graphene Oxide (ChAgG). The ChAgG nanocomposite combines Chitosan from corn, silver nanocrystals sourced from garlic, and Graphene Oxide. To achieve this, the fibers underwent functionalization with a ChAgG nanocomposite solution via blending electrospinning in varying proportions (1%, 5%, and 10%). Characterization techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) determined the nanocomposite composition. Scanning electron microscopy analyzed the resulting fibrous dressings' morphology and diameter. Thermal analyses (TGA and DSC) and FTIR confirmed ChAgG's incorporation into the fiber matrix. Mechanical property assessments indicated that the 5% ChAgG formulation showed promise and suitability for wound dressing applications. Future studies might explore cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity, and animal testing to further establish the system's effectiveness. These findings hold the potential to develop an optimized antimicrobial wound dressing poised to compete in today's market.

Audience Take Away Notes:

• The audience will learn about the basis of the electrospinning technique, the potential use of electrospun nanofibers, method for surface modification of these fibrous smart in order to promote bioactive properties such as antimicrobial, desired mechanical properties and biocompatibility
• Audience interested in biomedical devices, biomaterials and drug delivery system will be benefited

Biography:

Dr. Luis Villarreal is a research professor at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Autonomous University of Baja California, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, member of the National System of Researchers SNII-CONAHCyT Level 2, and a member of the academic body Applied Bioengineering "In Consolidation". To date, Dr. Villarreal has published 51 indexed articles, with a total of 1,134 citations in Scopus. Currently, Research and Graduate Coordinator of the Faculty, General Coordinator of MyDAUD-Multicampus. He has participated in more than 70 national and international conferences. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Revista de Ciencias Tecnológicas (RECIT) (only 5 official ones at UABC), organizing president of the main international conferences of the Faculty FCITEC and member of the editorial committee of important publishers such as Bentham, MDPI, Hindawi, Wiley. He is a member of the editorial advisory board of the journal “Current Drug Delivery” and a referee for more than 210 articles participating in publishers such as Elsevier, Wiley, Springer, MDPI and Hindawi among others. He also participates as an evaluator of research projects for funding in Mexico, Italy, Malaysia and Peru. He has contributed to the generation of human resources with 10 undergraduate theses, 10 master's theses and 5 doctoral theses. His research lines in the area of ​​Biomaterials are in Tissue Engineering, Drug Release Systems and Biotechnology, among others. The improvement in the treatment of infants is his primary objective.