A bifunctional electrospun nanocomposite wound dressing containing surfactin and curcumin: In vitro and in vivo studies

A double-nozzle electrospinning technique was adopted in the present study to yield a novel bifunctional wound dressing composed of curcumin (Cur) and surfactin (Sur)-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-gelatin (Gel). To comprehensively unveil the effect of both composition and drug molecules on the applicability, different dressings composed of PCL, Gel, and combination of the polymers with the drug molecules were fabricated. Besides the physicochemical properties, the in vitro and in vivo biological properties of prepared wound dressings were assessed. The results showed that increasing in the Cur from 0 to 3% (w/w) and Sur from 0 to 0.2 mg/mL caused a decrease in the elastic modulus on the one hand. On the other hand, the tensile strength and elongation at break experienced an increase in their values. The wettability, swelling capacity, and degradation rate of PCL improved significantly when both Gel and the drug molecules had been added. The dressings encompassing Sur (0.2 mg/mL) exhibited an excellent antibacterial activity after 24 h (>99%). Moreover, a sustained release of Cur up to 14 days was obtained. The in vitro cell compatibility tests implied a desirable result for all dressings without taking the composition into consideration. To complement the in vitro studies, the PCL/0.2Sur-Gel/3%Cur dressing was further assessed in vivo and the results revealed a significant improvement in the healing rate compared to control groups proofing its great potential for accelerated wound healing applications. • Poly(ε-caprolactone)/surfactin-gelatin/curcumin nanofibrous composites were designed and fabricated. • Wettability and mechanical properties were improved by adding curcumin and surfactin. • Surfactin showed an excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus . • Prepared wound dressings are promising vehicles for sustained curcumin release. • The optimized dressings showed good cell behavior in vitro and in vivo .