Fabrication and optimization of PCL/PVP nanofibers with Lawsonia inermis for antibacterial wound dressings

Anti-infection ability and desirable air permeability (AP) are the important aspects of wound dressings that should be regulated with regard to primary polymers and antibacterial agents. This study aims to fabricate and optimize a wound dressing with antibacterial properties. For this purpose, polycaprolactone (PCL) as a hydrophobic polymer and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a hydrophilic polymer were electrospun with Lawsonia inermis (Henna) extract as an antibacterial component based on the experiments proposed by Design-Expert software. The morphology and properties of the wound dressing were studied by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and AP. The response surface method (RSM) was used to determine the optimal fiber diameter and AP of the samples as a function of the polymer concentration and feed rate. The optimal PCL/PVL/Henna wound dressing has antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria while being biocompatible according to the MTT assay. These fibrous structures can be used as a wound dressing to prevent infection and accelerate wound healing; thanks to proper Henna release, breathability, swelling ratio, and mechanical performance.