Characterization of Chitosan-Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) Hybrid Nanofiber Sheets Containing Insulin for Wound Dressings

Abstract

The construct for wound dressings should be designed to promote the regeneration of the epidermal and dermal layers while ensuring biocompatibility and physical strength with protecting the wound from external infectious bacteria. In this study, nanofibrous sheet type wound dressings were prepared by electrospinning of a mixture of chitosan, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and insulin. The nanofiber sheets according to the mixing ratio were analyzed for physicochemical properties through structural analysis, elemental composition, tensile test, biodegradability, drug release behavior, antibacterial activity, cell proliferation behavior, and wound healing ability via in vivo animal testing. As the content of chitosan increased, the elongation of the nanofiber sheets decreased, and the biodegradability, drug release ability, and antibacterial activity tended to increase. In animal experiments and histological analysis, the accelerated wound healing rate of the chitosan-PCL-insulin nanofibrous sheet was verified when compared to other nanofiber sheets, and thus it is expected to be used as a wound dressing material.