Fabrication and characterization of a biodegradable Cannabis sativa oil-based poly(lactic acid) (PLA) wound dressing and investigation of its antibacterial and wound healing properties

The healing of wounds resulting from the disruption of the anatomical structure or function of the skin is crucial for preventing complications such as infection and blood loss, which can be directly related to the size of the wound. Restoring the structural and functional integrity of damaged tissue is a vital process. In both modern and alternative medicine, numerous products are employed for wound healing. Cannabis Sativa (CS), one of the oldest plants used for this purpose, has versatile applications in industries such as agriculture, construction, textiles, food, and medicine, primarily utilizing its fibers and seeds. Due to its therapeutic properties and pharmacological mechanisms, the use and production of CS, especially for medical purposes, have seen a significant rise in recent years. In this study, the impact of hemp seed oil, providing the necessary moist environment for wound healing and possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for the wound area, is investigated. PLA-based wound dressings are a promising option due to their biodegradability, efficacy, ease of use, and antimicrobial properties. In line with this information, biocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and CS oil, which are biodegradable polymers compatible with the human body, were produced using the electrospinning technique. The produced biocomposite wound dressings were characterized, and then their effect on the wound model created in HUVEC cells (Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells) and their antibacterial properties were examined. According to wound dressing characterization, PLA and hemp oil content was confirmed. Characteristic values were obtained in both the DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) curves and the bands of the FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) spectrum. With SEM images, the CS distribution and fiber structures in the wound dressing were confirmed.