Reactive & Functional Polymers, Vol.131, 191-202, 2018
Biofunctionalization of electrospun poly(caprolactone) fibers with Maillard reaction products for wound dressing applications
Bacterial colonization of open skin wounds can interfere with the healing process, contributing to an increase in the severity of the wound. To overcome such drawback, wound dressings with an improved bactericidal activity have been developed or are currently under development. Herein, poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibrous membranes functionalized with biosynthesized Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were produced using an electrospinning apparatus and their properties (chemical, morphological, mechanical and biological) analyzed in order to evaluate their suitability for being used as wound dressings. The functionalization of PCL nanofibers with MRPs allowed the production of membranes with the mechanical, wettability and porosity features required for wound exudate absorption as well as nutrients and gas exchange. Furthermore, MRPs-modified PCL membranes were also able to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth, without inducing any cytotoxic effect to human fibroblasts. These findings support the potential use of the produced membranes in the healing process.
Keywords:Antimicrobial wound dressing;Electrospinning;Maillard reaction products;Poly(caprolactone);Skin infection