Preparation of asiaticoside-loaded coaxially electrospinning nanofibers and their effect on deep partial-thickness burn injury

Sodium alginate and chitosan were in favor of wound healing. However, the two polymers were not compatible in one formulation due to the electrostatic interaction. Coaxially electrospinning technology could make two or more noneletrospun polymers to be electrospun in independent core and shell layer. Asiaticoside-loaded coaxially electrospinning nanofibers of alginate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (alginate/PVA/chitosan) were prepared and evaluated. Morphologies and microstructure of nanofibers were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Drug release in vitro of coaxial nanofibers was also evaluated. Deep partial-thickness burn injury were established and used to evaluate the improved healing effect of asiaticoside-loaded coaxial nanofibers. Drug-loaded coaxial nanofibers prepared with the optimized formulations and technologies had the obvious core-shell structure. Coaxial nanofibers showed faster drug release profiles in vitro and this facilitated wound healing. Its healing effect on rats with deep partial-thickness burn injury was also significant based on morphology, wound healing ratio, and pathological sections. Positive expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and down regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) also validated the improved effect of wound healing. In general, the asiaticoside-loaded coaxial nanofibers had obvious core-shell structure with smooth surface and uniform diameter. Its healing effect on deep partial-thickness burn injury of rats was obvious. Asiaticoside-loaded coaxial nanofibers provide a novel promising option for treatment of deep partial-thickness burn injury.