ELECTROSPUN CHITOSAN/PCL-AgNPs NANOFIBROUS MEMBRANES AS EFFECTIVE SYSTEM FOR PURULENT WOUNDS TREATMENT

Purulent wounds represent a significant medical challenge, demanding effective and prompt treatment to prevent further complications and infectious issues. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing new methods and materials to ensure the effective treatment [1]. Notably, the application of nanostructured membranes with antibacterial and regenerative properties has gained significant interest [2, 3]. In this study, we explore the development of an effective system for care of purulent wounds using Chitosan/polylactic asid (Ch/PLC) membranes enriched with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) [4]. The main objective of this study is to determine the potential impact of Ch/PCL-AgNPs system on infected purulent wounds healing and their susceptibility to infectious complications. 

Ch/PCL nanofibrous materials produced using the electrospinning method, loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a concentration of 100 µg/ml were used for wound treatment. A rectangular wound defect with a total area of 1.5 cm² was excised at back of the rats using a sharp scalpel. Subsequently, a gauze swab soaked in a mixture containing 1.0 mL of microorganisms, including S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa (each at a concentration of 5 × 10⁹ CFU/mL), was inserted into the wound. After wound appearance, daily dressing changes were conducted under aseptic conditions. The colony count determination was performed using the streak plate method on different days (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14). Histological samples of wounds from rats were taken on days 4, 11, and 21 of the experiment. Throughout this period, the wound defect reduction was monitored daily to assess changes in wound size.

We notice significant effectiveness of Ch/PCL-AgNPs dressing strategy compared to pure Ch/PCL ones. These membranes exhibit high antimicrobial activity starting from 5th day (providing significant antibacterial effect towards S. aureus, E. coli and complete eradication of P. aeruginosa) and promote accelerated wound healing. Tested samples also maintain biocompatibility, without inducing negative reactions or complications in tissues.

Results indicate that the novel Ch/PCL-AgNPs system is effective in promoting antimicrobial activity, accelerating wound healing, and maintaining biocompatibility. This makes it a promising method for treating purulent wounds.