Fabrication of pomegranate/honey nanofibers for use as antibacterial wound dressings

Honey, pomegranate peel extract and bee venom, were used in combination with polyvinyl alcohol to develop a novel nanofibrous wound dressing. Methanolic pomegranate peel extract was prepared and mixed with either Manuka honey or lyophilized multiflora honey powder together with bee venom. The formulas were tested for their antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and wound healing activity in an excisional wound rat model. Scanning electron microscopy showed that lyophilized honey fibers had smaller and more uniform diameter than Manuka honey fibers. Moderate swelling and higher weight loss capacities were detected when compared to polyvinyl alcohol mats. Antibacterial tests showed significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli compared to negative controls (P < 0.0001). No cytotoxicity was observed. In vivo wound healing study showed that all treatment groups enhanced wound healing as shown by increased wound closure percentages compared to negative control groups at days 3,5 and 10 (P < 0.0001), and histological examination. In comparison to treatment groups, Medihoney® calcium alginate dressing significantly enhanced healing compared to negative controls at days 3 and 5. However, healing was delayed afterwards. These results indicate that Manuka honey/Pomegranate/Bee Venom nanofibers are promising for wound healing.