In vitro analysis of electrospun nanofibrous polycaprolactone loaded with Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract as potential wound dressing

Rhamnus prinoides, an indigenous Ethiopian traditional medicinal plant, has been used for treating various ailments including skin conditions in traditional formulations. In this study, plant leaf extract has been incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers through electrospinning at concentrations of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% wt/vol for the first time. The presence of extract in the nanofiber was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared. The in vitro antibacterial activity, release, contact angle, thermal, and mechanical properties of the nano mats were characterized. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the produced mats are continuous, smooth, bead-less, and inter connected. The examination of SEM images using ImageJ revealed that the fiber diameter ranged from 219 +/- 47 nm to 284 +/- 114 nm. The mats showed excellent anti-bactericidal activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. During the 72-h in vitro release investigation, an initial burst release was observed within the first 12 h, followed by sustained release of the extract over long period of time. The contact angle analysis showed, addition of leaf extract to the PCL nanofiber increased hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the nanofiber membranes had favorable mechanical properties. Overall, these findings suggested that R. prinoides leaf extract-functionalized PCL nanofibers could be effective wound dressings with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.