Safety and efficacy of herbal extract-loaded wound dressing designed by natural and biodegradable based electrospun nanofibers

Wound dressing is essential for healing, providing a protective barrier and supporting recovery. The global demand for wound care is increasing, with millions suffering from burns and chronic skin ulcers. Electrospinning is a promising technique for wound healing applications, creating nanostructures resembling the natural extracellular matrix. Herbal extracts, known for their therapeutic properties like antioxidants and antibacterial agents, enhance wound care. Incorporating metal nanoparticles further boosts infection prevention and wound healing promotion. This study aims to produce a safe and efficient wound dressing of metallized herbal-loaded nanofibers made of natural and biodegradable materials. A formulation made of Polyvinyl alcohol, Chitosan, and Gelatin was used to produce electrospun nanofibers. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles and Hypericum perforatum extract were used to be loaded into the nanofibers. The characterization, loading efficacy, releasing profile, in vitro efficacy, and safety were tested. The study achieved successful production and optimization of nanofiber mats incorporating herbal extracts and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Key advancements included refined polymer ratios, solvent choices, and electrospinning parameters, which enhanced the nanofibers' physical properties and structural integrity. Characterization confirmed the effective integration of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and herbal extracts with an encapsulation efficacy 86-96%. The nanofibers demonstrated a rapid and sustained release profile, substantial antimicrobial activity, and significant anti-inflammatory effects, particularly with metallized herbal-loaded variants. Despite some possible cytotoxicity at high concentrations, the nanofibers showed no mutagenic or genotoxic effects, indicating promising safe therapeutic potential for future clinical applications.