Preparation and characterization of nanofibrous scaffolds containing copper nanoparticles and curcumin for wound healing applications

Advanced therapeutic dressings are the current research interest that achieves rapid and complete wound healing. The healing of skin wounds demonstrates a remarkable cellular function process that is distinct in nature and involves the interaction of various cells, growth factors, and cytokines. In this study, nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared using poly(ε-caprolactone) and polylactic acid as mat scaffolds. Also, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and curcumin were added to fabricate a hybrid nanocomposite scaffold using the electrospinning technique. The fabricated scaffolds were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tensile analysis, porosity, and water vapor transmission rate. SEM analysis proved the nanostructured fibers have suitable porosity without any beads. The presence of CuNPs in the PCL-Cu nanofibrous mat was confirmed by TEM analysis. The tensile test confirmed an increase and decrease in the elongation ratio by CuNPs and curcumin addition, respectively. The biocompatibility and cell attachment to the nanofibers were proved by MTT and DAPI staining which proved a significantly positive effect of curcumin in the cell growth. The scaffold can hinder both the gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria through direct contact with them. This research study showed that the addition of CuNPs and curcumin in the hybrid nanocomposite scaffold compensates for each other's shortcomings and has the potential to be used in wound healing applications.