Electrospun Gelatin Nanofibers Incorporating ZIF-8@Polydopamine Nanoparticles as Wound Dressing with Improved Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties

Chronic wounds represent a significant healthcare challenge, demanding the development of advanced wound dressings capable of creating an optimal microenvironment to support the healing process. This study engineered a versatile platform for wound dressing applications by incorporating Polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles (NPs)-modified Zeolite Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) into gelatin-based nanofibers. The fabrication process involved electrospinning a gelatin solution containing varying concentrations of modified ZIF-8 NPs, which provided wound dressings with enhanced mechanical characteristics, improved adhesion, and antibacterial properties. Different analytical methods, such as FTIR, FESEM, Raman, and XRD, were employed for the characterization of the prepared NPs. In addition, the morphology, physicochemical properties, and biological behavior of the electrospun samples were investigated through tensile tests, antibacterial assays, and cytotoxicity evaluations on the nanofibrous mats. The findings demonstrated a slight increase in NP diameter from 65 nm to 74 nm after modifying ZIF-8 with PDA, which resulted in a change in the color of the NPs from white to black. SEM images confirmed a rise in gelatin fiber diameter from 158 nm in GEL-Z0 to 241 nm in GEL-Z5. The tensile strength improved from 13.75 to 16.30 MPa in GEL-Z0 and GEL-Z1, respectively. Biological analysis, including MTT assays, cell adhesion studies, and antibacterial tests, revealed desirable cell viability and adhesion, as well as reduced bacterial colonization on the GEL-Z1 nanofibers. Overall, our findings suggest that gelatin-based nanofibrous mats containing ZIF-8@PDA NPs exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, controlled water absorption, high compatibility, and inherent antibacterial activity to facilitate accelerated wound healing.