Nanotek and Expo

Biography

Biography: Gomaa Salma

Abstract

In this study, an interactive electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds, based on two biopolymers, Polylactic acid (PLA) and Cellulose acetate (CA), was prepared.Thymoquinone (TQ), was incorporated into the electrospun fibers. TQ is the active ingredient of Nigella sativa, known for its antibacterial properties and ability to promote wound healing. The potentiality of the prepared scaffolds, as an interactive wound dressing, has been investigated including, swelling behavior, water vapor permeability and porosity.  TQ- release profile was examined at the physiological pH (7.4) and temperature (37^οC). The antimicrobial efficiency of the scaffolds against gram negative and gram positive bacteria were determined by the agar diffusion assay. The interaction between fibroblasts and the prepared scaffolds such as viability, proliferation, and attachment were characterized. TQ-loaded PLA: CA scaffolds showed burst TQ release after 24 h, compared with TQ-loaded PLA scaffolds, followed by a sustained release rate. The presence of CA in the scaffolds improved its hydrophilicity, and water uptake capacity. Furthermore, it created a moist environment for the wound, which can accelerate wound recovery.The TQ-loaded PLA: CA nanocomposite also showed a significant antibacterial activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Furthermore, the nanocomposite scaffolds enhanced cell proliferation and attachment, as compared to TQ-loaded PLA nanofibers.  A preliminary in vivo study performed on mice skin wound models demonstrated that TQ-loaded PLA: CA (7:3) scaffolds significantly accelerated the wound healing process by promoting angiogenesis, increasing re-epithelialization and controlling granulation tissue formation. Our results suggest that TQ-loaded PLA: CA nanocomposite could be an ideal biomaterial for wound dressing.