Drug-Loaded Carbon Nanotube Incorporated in Nanofibers: A Multifunctional Nanocomposite for Smart Chronic Wound Healing

Abstract

A proper dressing for chronic wounds should be able to preserve moisture while absorbing the exudates and exhibit good antibacterial properties and reliable mechanical properties. Furthermore, drug delivery through a wound dressing is an added value that brings more therapeutic and regenerative functionalities. In this study, a carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube-curcumin hybrid composite was embedded in a polyamide 6/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous composite (PA6/PVA/CMWCNT-Cur) for controlled drug release and potential wound healing application. PA6/PVA/CMWCNT-Cur nanofibrous composites were synthesized in two steps. First, Cur was loaded throughout the CMWCNT, and then a cross-linked PA6/PVA/CMWCNT-Cur blend solution was electrospun at CMWCNT-Cur concentrations of 0.5, 0.75, and 1 wt %. The results showed that incorporating PVA and CMWCNT-Cur into the PA6 nanofiber improved its wettability, physical properties, and biodegradability. In addition, the optical density technique demonstrated that the produced nanofibers had high antibacterial activity, which effectively inhibited the development of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Due to its uniform nanofibrous structure, superior mechanical capabilities, and excellent antibacterial features, the PA6/PVA/CMWCNT-Cur hybrid nanofibrous composite containing 0.75 wt % CMWCNT-Cur was chosen as the most suitable sample. Studies on the release of Cur from the nanofibers at different pH values demonstrated a faster rate in mild acidic media. The cell viability against the L929 cell line showed that the PA6/PVA/CMWCNT-Cur hybrid nanofibrous composite significantly increased the cell viability and proliferation. This work provides a simple and quick strategy for producing a multifunctional nanofibrous mat for wound healing applications. © 2023 American Chemical Society.