Antibacterial and wound-healing potential of PLGA/spidroin nanoparticles: a study on earthworms as a human skin model

Aim: The essential protein element of spider silk 'spidroin' was used to assess its impact on the wound-healing process. Methods: Spidroin nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer (PLGA/spidroin NPs) at different weight ratios (5:1, 10:1, 15:1) and were in vitro characterized. The optimized NPs were tested in vitro for release and antibacterial activity. To assess wound-healing effects, NPs were topically applied on surgically induced injuries in Allolobophora caliginosa earthworms as a robust human skin model. Results: Optimized NPs (173 ± 3 nm) revealed considerable antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. After 4 days of NPs application on wounds, macroscopical and histological examinations revealed a significant reduction in wound and re-epithelialization times. Conclusion: PLGA/spidroin NPs may represent a promising option for wound repair.