# Bromelain-Infused Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Cancer Therapy: Fabrication, Characterization, and In Vitro Assessment

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a new nanofibrous scaffold infused with bromelain that shows potential for cancer therapy due to its controlled release and cell growth inhibition.

## Contribution

A novel bromelain-infused PVA/HEC nanofibrous scaffold with sustained release and anti-cancer properties is introduced.

## Key findings

- Bromelain was successfully encapsulated into PVA/HEC nanofibers, enhancing their physicochemical properties.
- The scaffold demonstrated sustained bromelain release and inhibited HeLa cell growth in vitro.
- The nanofibrous structure showed antibacterial, antioxidant, and biocompatible characteristics.

## Abstract

Nanofibrous scaffolds based on biomaterials have recently
received
a lot of attention due to their unique physicochemical characteristics.
In this article, we disclose the encapsulation of bromelain in a poly­(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA)/hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) matrix to create a new
type of nanofibrous scaffold. Bromelain has been used to impart new
properties to PVA/HEC nanofibrous scaffolds, such as antibacterial,
antioxidant, and biocompatibility. After examining the physicochemical
properties of the nanofibrous scaffolds, it was discovered that bromelain
was successfully incorporated into PVA/HEC nanofibers, providing a
significant morphological structure to the scaffolds. The in vitro release study indicated that the loaded bromelain
exhibited a sustained and controlled release behavior from the PVA/HEC
nanofibrous scaffolds, thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of
HeLa cells, as evidenced by microscopic observations. It should be
emphasized that the PVA/HEC nanofibrous scaffold containing bromelain
may have a promising application for cancer therapy.