Preparation of hydrophilic polycaprolactone/modified ZIF-8 nanofibers as a wound dressing using hydrophilic surface modifying macromolecules

In this study, a simple one-step method was introduced to prepare suitable PCL wound dressing by using a small amount of hydrophilic surface modifying macromolecule (LSMM) with ends capped with Polyethylene glycol and aminated zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (MZIF-8) as a drug carrier for curcumin to accelerate the healing process while improve drug loading and controlled drug release. First, LSMM was synthesized and its chemical structure and average molecular weight were characterized by FTIR and gel permeation chromatography. Afterward, PCL nanofibers containing LSMM and curcumin loaded MZIF-8 were prepared and characterized. The surface contact angle of PCL nanofibers containing 1 wt% LSMM was reduced from 130 to 31 due to LSMM molecules migration to the nanofiber surface. Furthermore, tensile strength test results showed that the incorporation of MZIF-8 nanoparticles significantly improved the mechanical properties of the nanofibers. Finally, all samples were evaluated for cell cytotoxicity which confirmed the biocompatibility of the samples. Fibroblast cell adhesion was also evaluated and results indicated that fibroblast cell adhesion was improved when 1 wt% LSMM was added.