Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Controlled Drug Release Behaviour of Biodegradable Polymeric Nanofibres for Wound Dressing Applications

Abstract

The rise in chronic wound, surgical and skin infections has resulted in need for better wound dressing materials with antibacterial and drug delivery features. Traditionally, wound dressings have provided only physical protection but have been ineffective in maintaining localized drug concentration and bacterial inhibition. Biodegradable polymeric nanofibers have found their way as wound dressings due to high surface area-to-volume ratio, interconnected porosity, flexibility and controllable drug delivery capability. The innovative aspect of the research is the integration of antibacterial and drug delivery features into a biodegradable electrospun nanofibers system. The methodological aspect will include preparation of the solutions of the chosen biodegradable materials, addition of the selected antibacterial substance and fabrication of the nanofibers by electrospinning technique. The samples will be analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements.  Antibacterial efficacy is tested against selected wound related bacterial species through suitable microbiological techniques. The drug release mechanism is studied under controlled physiological conditions at regular time intervals. Kinetics of drug release is analyzed by means of mathematical models such as zero order, first order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Additionally, swelling behavior, degradation and in vitro biocompatibility properties are also taken into account for evaluation of suitability of material. The current research work is anticipated to identify relationship between nanofiber morphology, antibacterial efficacy and drug release behavior. This study offers an approach to develop biodegradable wound dressing system for localized antibacterial therapy, sustained delivery and improved wound management without the requirement of frequent dressing changes.