Study of the synergistic properties of copaiba oil co-electrospun with poly (L-co-D,L lactic acid) and natural rubber latex for application in bioactive wound dressings

Wound healing is a complex process involving a sequence of factors that can be disrupted, negatively impacting the quality of life for patients and overburdening healthcare systems. Advanced dressings obtained by electrospinning are highlighted by the optimization of this process, allowing air exchange and protection against microorganisms. Aiming to develop bioactive dressings, this study investigated the physicochemical, mechanical, microbiological, and in vitro biological properties of membranes containing 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 90 % copaiba oil (CO) co-electrospun with poly(L-co-D,L-lactic acid) (PLDLA) and natural rubber latex (NR). CO, with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, was co-electrospun with the system, which integrates the bioactivity and elasticity of NR with the mechanical strength of PLDLA. FTIR analysis indicated a physical interaction between CO and PLDLA/NR, promoting its efficient and sustained release. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a fibrous and porous morphological structure. The mechanical tensile test revealed the plasticizing effect of CO. The low Young's modulus (26.6 MPa) for 25 % CO indicated its elastic capacity under low stress. In vitro tests have demonstrated efficacy in preventing bacterial infections against Staphylococcus aureus, due to its bacteriostatic effect and air-filtering capacity, allowing gas exchange while preventing the entry of microorganisms. The system composed of PLDLA/NR/25 % CO also exhibited cell viability of 93 % and 80 % after 24 and 72 h, respectively. The scratch assay using PLDLA/NR/25 % CO demonstrated efficacy in promoting cell migration. These results suggest that co-electrospun membranes hold promise as advanced wound dressings, with the potential to accelerate the wound healing process.