# pH-Responsive Polyethylene Oxide-Based Electrospun Nanofibers for Controlled Drug Release in Infected Wound Treatment

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a pH-sensitive nanofiber membrane that can release drugs in response to wound conditions, potentially improving treatment of infected wounds.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the development of a PEO-based composite membrane with pH-responsive drug release and antimicrobial properties.

## Key findings

- The membrane's drug release rate increases under slightly acidic conditions, mimicking infected wounds.
- The composite membrane effectively inhibits E. coli and S. aureus while maintaining antioxidant activity.

## Abstract

Infected wounds form a complex microenvironment that creates difficulties for drug delivery. In this study, a composite fiber membrane based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) was prepared. The intention was to achieve on-demand drug release and integrate multiple functions by adjusting the material composition. The membrane uses PEO as the main framework and contains chitosan (CS) and ascorbic acid (Asc). CS leads to an increase in fiber diameter, while Asc makes the fibers thinner. The two components act together to influence the microstructure. In vitro drug release experiments showed that changing the CS content in the PEO matrix can affect the initial release rate and the duration of sustained release. The membrane also shows sensitivity to pH. Under slightly acidic conditions, drug release becomes faster, which is similar to the state of infected wounds. In addition, the membrane maintains antioxidant activity and can inhibit Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). These results suggest that PEO-based composite fibers may be useful in drug delivery and tissue repair.