Fuente: Journal of applied polymer Lugar: RESEARCH ARTICLE Schematic illustration showing polymer dissolution, electrospinning process for the composite membranes and characterizations.


ABSTRACT
The skin, vital for the body's defense, can suffer injuries that require medical treatment, particularly in conditions like diabetes or infections. Conventional dressings have limitations, such as poor exudate absorption, necessitating frequent changes, which can cause pain and delay recovery. The use of antibiotics to treat infections also raises environmental and health concerns, including the creation of resistant bacterial strains. This study aimed to develop a PCL/PEO electrospun membrane, with the addition of ZnO nanoparticles, for application as functional dressings in wound healing. These dressings not only provide protection but also combat infection and promote accelerated healing. To this end, the influence of adding 1 to 5% of ZnONPs on the membrane's properties was investigated. The samples were evaluated for morphology (SEM), hydrophilicity (contact angle), mechanical properties, degradation in simulated body fluid (SBF), zinc release (ICP-OES), cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity against
Staphylococcus aureus
. Samples exhibited a hydrophilic nature, with contact angles below 70°. Membrane morphology was suitable for wound healing, with 76.57% ± 0.70% porosity, pore size of 21.46 ± 8.49 μm, fibers showing some alignment, and mean diameter of 2.93 ± 2.05 μm with 5% of ZnO addition. The material showed zinc release, providing antimicrobial action, as evidenced by inhibition halos up to 27.51 ± 1.44 mm with 5% ZnO, and no toxicity to murine cells. The electrospun membrane with added ZnO-NPs has potential as a functional dressing for infected wounds, absorbing exudates and extending its lifespan, requiring fewer dressing changes, and offering antimicrobial protection, representing a promising alternative to the conventional treatments.