Mussel-inspired polydopamine-assisted bromelain immobilization onto electrospun fibrous membrane for potential application as wound dressing

There has been a recent increase in research interest regarding the development of wound dressings containing bioactive compounds capable of improving outcomes for complex healing needs. In the present study, we describe the generation of bromelain immobilized eletrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers (BrPDA-PCL fibers) using the dopamine-assisted co-deposition strategy. We wanted to combine the structural advantage of electrospun fiber and the activity of bromelain and PDA to develop functional wound dressings. We found that bromelain activity could be better stabilized when via its immobilization on electrospun fibers. The resultant BrPDA-PCL fibers exhibited promising properties including optimal mechanical stability, wettability, and rates of water vapor transmission. In addition, these BrPDA-PCL fibers were biocompatible, allowing for effective cellular adhesion and proliferation. The results of zone of inhibition testing further confirmed that these fibers achieved effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. When used in vivo, as compared with PCL fibers or control animals the BrPDA-PCL fibers enhanced wound healing rates while reducing associated inflammation. As such, these results indicate that these biocompatible BrPDA-PCL fibers exhibit desirable physicochemical properties making them ideal for use as a wound dressing to enhance the repair of full-thickness wounds to the skin.