مريم نصرتي هشي

In the modern era, wound healing has become a key public health challenge due to the increasing preva‎lence of chronic diseases and an aging population. Therefore, utilizing advanced wound dressings and nanomaterials, particularly electrospun nanofibers, is considered an effective approach to accelerating the healing process. Plant-based bioactive compounds, such as genistein-rich alfalfa extract, play a significant role in controlling inflammation and promoting wound healing. Nanofibers composed of biopolymers such as chitosan and polycaprolactone provide an ideal environment for wound healing due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. Incorporating therapeutic agents, medicinal plant extracts, or antibacterial nanoparticles further enhances their effectiveness. Among these, ZIF-8 nanoparticles exhibit antimicrobial properties due to the presence of zinc ions, aiding in infection control and promoting faster wound healing. This study aims to develop nanofibers based on polycaprolactone, chitosan, alfalfa extract, and ZIF-8 nanoparticles to accelerate wound healing. Initially, an alcoholic extract of alfalfa was prepared via maceration, and ZIF-8 nanoparticles with an average size of 138 ± 34 nm were synthesized from zinc nitrate and methyl imidazole solutions. Optimized conditions were established for electrospinning solutions, with polycaprolactone and alfalfa extract in one nozzle and chitosan with ZIF-8 nanoparticles in another, followed by separate and simultaneous electrospinning with parameter optimization. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the uniform production of nanofibers with an average diameter of 248 ± 48 nm. Subsequently, physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological eva‎luations were performed on the samples containing alfalfa extract and ZIF-8 nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses confirmed the presence of genistein in the alfalfa extract and ZIF-8 nanoparticles in the electrospun scaffold. Additionally, incorporating these components reduced solution viscosity, leading to a decrease in fiber diameter. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the wound dressing’s tensile strength (5.857 MPa) was compatible with the structural properties of human skin. Moreover, the release of zinc ions from ZIF-8 nanoparticles in the optimized nanofibers reached 1.733 ppm over 144 hours. The antibacterial assay of the final system exhibited 99% and 40% bactericidal efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Based on the findings, the electrospun wound dressing composed of polycaprolactone, chitosan, alfalfa extract, and ZIF-8 nanoparticles demonstrates promising potential for accelerating wound healing.

زخم‌پوش , نانوالياف , الكتروريسي , پلي‌كاپرولاكتون , كيتوسان , عصاره گياه يونجه , نانوذرات ZIF-8

Wound Dressing , Nanofiber , Electrospinning , Polycaprolactone , Chitosan , Alfalfa extraction , ZIF-8 nanoparticles

maryam nosrati hashi

maryam tajabadi- alireza khavandi