Electrospun PVA nanofiber mat for topical Deflazacort delivery: accentuated anti-inflammatory efficacy for wound healing

Abstract

Purpose

Asses the wound healing activity of Polyvinyl alcohol – Deflazacort (PVA-DEF) nanofibers mats synthesized by electrospinning technology.

Methods

PVA-DEF nanofiber mats were created with various PVA polymer concentrations using an electrospinning process. The morphological features and diameter of the electrospun nanofibrous mats were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro DEF release rate from PVA electrospun nanofibrous mats was evaluated. In addition to assessing wound healing activity in vivo, histological, and immunochemical tests were conducted.

Results

Results revealed a uniform and smooth surface of the fiber with an average diameter of the selected fibers of 533.9 nm ± 45.83. Also, PVA electrospun nanofiber mats showed an initial burst release of more than 50% of the DEF in 1 h, and the rest of the DEF was released gradually for up to 480 min. Fickian diffusion is the main DEF release mechanism from PVA electrospun nanofiber mats. In male Wistar albino rats with 1 cm² excision wounds, in vivo studies revealed a significant improvement in wound healing rate via modulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.

Conclusion

PVA-DEF nanofiber mats can be used effectively for improving wound healing.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Electrospinning
• electrospun PVA nanofiber mat
• topical Drug-Delivery system
• deflazacort
• anti-Inflammatory efficacy
• wound healing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.