Preparation of silver nanoparticles and riboflavin embedded electrospun polymer nanofibrous scaffolds for in vivo wound dressing application

Biocompatible silver-based nanofibrous frameworks have attracted intensive attention in wound dressing materials ascribed to their greater stability, minimal toxicity, excellent antibacterial activity, and extended therapeutic efficiency. The present investigation delineates a simple approach to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), and riboflavin (RF) decorated polyvinyl alcohol/beta-Cydodextrin (PVA/beta-CD) electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds envisioning their application in wound dressings. PVA/beta-CD polymer matrix regulates the stabilization of Ag NPs and RF. Also, it promotes the wound healing process and skin regeneration. The morphology, thermal properties, and their structure were also evaluated. Likewise, mechanical properties, biodegradation and drug release profile of the nanofibrous scaffolds were evaluated. In addition Antibacterial studies of the resultant nanofibrous scaffolds showed a strong inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coif at a considerable level. Moreover, Ag NPs-RF/PVA/beta-CD nanofibrous scaffold were studied for its in vitro cytotoxicity using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293), and the results suggested that Ag NPs and RF present in the nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited its cytotoxicity. Besides, wound healing efficiency of the Ag NPs-RF decorated nanofibrous scaffolds was assessed using full thickness excision wounds in rat models displayed as an excellent biomaterial for wound dressings.