Development of Electrospun Nanofibers Containing Layered Double Hydroxide/Coumarin Nanohybrid for Potential Wound Healing

Abstract

Developing innovative wound dressing biomaterials is vital for proper wound care management. The synergy of medicinal plant secondary metabolites and nanotechnology presents a promising approach to promoting wound healing by facilitating a quicker and more effective healing progression. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) in combination with gelatin (Gel) nanofibrous membranes containing 7-hydroxy-4-methyl coumarin (coumarin)-loaded layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanohybrids were fabricated via electrospinning. LDH/coumarin nanohybrids were prepared using the coprecipitation method. LDH/coumarin was added to the PCL-Gel solution at different concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were used to characterize the nanofibers. The nanofibers were evaluated for their mechanical, cytocompatibility, and in vivo properties. The results demonstrated that LDH improved the mechanical properties of PCL-Gel nanofibers, and the highest tensile strength was achieved in PCL-Gel containing 1 wt% LDH (3.12 MPa). Moreover, the nanofibers exhibited no cytotoxicity against the L-929 mouse fibroblast cell line (viability was greater than or equal to 70%). The animal study results revealed that the rate of wound healing was faster in nanofibers containing LDH/coumarin, covering 77.5% of the wound area, and the quality of wound healing was significantly increased in guinea pigs' skin wound closure. The synergistic effect of PCL-Gel-LDH/coumarin (1%) could provide valuable insights and implications for promoting its application in wound dressings.