DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF CHITOSAN-BASED NANOFIBROUS SCAFFOLD FOR THE DELIVERY OF NATURAL BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22551/Abstract
The aim of this study was to obtain and optimize chitosan (CH)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based nanofibrous scaffold with controlled nanoscale characteristics, by identifying the key electrospinning parameters. The optimized scaffold was subsequently loaded with natural bioactive compounds (ACs). Materials and methods: To achieve an optimal polymer composition, different concentrations of each polymer and various CH/PVA ratios (v/v) were investigated until a formulation capable of generating uniform nanofibers (NFs) under experimentally optimized electrospinning conditions was obtained. Based on this optimized matrix six formulations were prepared: CH/PVA@ARG, CH/PVA@ARG-ALA, CH/PVA@ARG-RJ, CH/PVA@ALA, CH/PVA@CUR, and CH/PVA@CUR-ALA, by incorporating L-arginine (ARG), allantoin (ALA), royal jelly (RJ), and curcumin (CUR), known for their antioxidant, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties. Fiber morphology was initially assessed by optical microscopy, followed by detailed analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to confirm the fibrous architecture and determine the fiber diameter. Results: The optimization process yielded uniform, bead-free CH/PVA NFs at a 1:3 ratio and a total polymer concentration of 6.25%. The optimized matrix enabled the incorporating ACs at selected concentrations (10% ARG, 4% ALA, 3% CUR, 3% RJ). For synergistic combinations, concentration adjustments were required to preserve fiber morphology and avoid rheological instabilities associated with cumulative AC loading. Conclusions: CH/PVA@ACs NFs with uniform, bead-free fiber morphology suitable for wound healing applications, were prepared.
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