Evaluation of poly ε-caprolactone electrospun nanofibers loaded with Hypericum perforatum extract as a wound dressing

In this study, for the first time, a biocompatible and non-toxic herbal wound dressing was made by encapsulation of Hypericum perforatum alcoholic extract at different concentrations (10, 30 and 50 % v/v) into poly ε-caprolactone electrospun nanofibers to achieve an effective wound dressing. The electrospinning processing parameters such as needle tip to collector distance, applied voltage and flow rate of feed solution were changed until accumulated nano-scale fibers without bead structures were obtained. Then, the morphology of the nanofibrous structures was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. After synthesis of the nanofibers in optimal conditions, the antibacterial activity of the optimized bandages was investigated by the disc diffusion method against strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The release content of the herbal drug was tested by the total immersion method in phosphate buffer saline and displayed a constant drug liberation with time. Water vapor transmission rate for the wound dressing was evaluated by pseudo-extra cellular fluid for optimal samples. The crystallinity and thermal behavior of the mats with and without H. perforatum alcoholic extract were studied by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The results of antibacterial activity, cell culture and In vitro methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assays demonstrated these unique structures as being very useful as burn and ulcer dressings.