# Electrospun Chitosan–Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofibers Functionalized with Natural Bioactive Compounds: Design, Physicochemical Characterization and Release Profiles

## TL;DR

Researchers created nanofibers from chitosan and PVA with natural compounds that could help in wound healing and tissue regeneration.

## Contribution

The study introduces functionalized nanofibers with multiple bioactive compounds for wound healing applications.

## Key findings

- Nanofibers were successfully produced with uniform morphology and influenced by the type of bioactive compounds.
- The nanofibers showed high swelling capacity and pH-dependent release behavior.
- Surface and wettability properties indicated compatibility with biological environments.

## Abstract

This study reports the development and characterization of chitosan–poly(vinyl alcohol) (CH/PVA) nanofibers (NFs), functionalized with bioactive compounds (ACs) relevant for wound healing and tissue regeneration. CH/PVA NFs loaded with L-arginine (ARG), allantoin (ALA), royal jelly (RJ) and curcumin (CUR), either as single or co-loaded systems, were prepared by electrospinning. The polymer solutions were characterized in terms of key physicochemical properties relevant to electrospinning. The CH/PVA@ACs NFs were characterized morphologically and structurally through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, surface-related, physical, and functional properties such as wettability, swelling behavior, and in vitro release profiles were examined. The NFs were successfully produced in a uniform and continuous manner, with the fiber diameter and morphology being influenced by the type of ACs. FTIR analysis validated the characteristic functional groups linked to both the polymeric matrix and ACs. The nanofibrous systems demonstrated a high swelling capacity and a release behavior that is dependent on pH. Analyses of surface free energy and wettability revealed favorable interfacial interactions between solid and liquid, indicating compatibility with aqueous biological environments. In summary, the developed CH/PVA@ACs NFs exhibited appropriate morphological, structural, surface, and functional properties, underscoring their potential as effective materials for wound dressings.