Research subject: Based on the reports in the past few years, more than 60% of burn-related deaths occur due to infection and bacterial growth at the wound site. Biocompatible nanofiber wound dressings containing antimicrobial compounds can enhance the healing process of burn wounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers loaded with Nigella sativa extract on burn wound healing and their antimicrobial activity.
Research approach: Polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning from a polymeric solution of PLA dissolved in a chloroform: dimethylformamide solvent mixture with a volume ratio of 3:7. The optimal solution concentration (12 w/v%) was determined based on rheometry tests and scanning electron microscopy imaging to obtain uniform, bead-free fibers with optimized diameter. Physical properties, including swelling behavior and hydrolytic degradation, were investigated. The release of Nigella sativa extract from the nanofibers over 48 hours was measured, and antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) was assessed. Additionally, extract-loaded and extract-free nanofibers were applied to burn wounds in an animal model for 14 days, and the wound healing process was monitored by periodic imaging.
Main results: The results showed that PLA nanofibers containing Nigella sativa extract exhibited approximately 69% release within 48 hours, more than a one-log reduction in bacterial population, and a 30–35% improvement in wound closure rate in the animal model. The performance of the extract-loaded nanofibers was comparable to silver sulfadiazine ointment. These findings demonstrate that the developed nanofibers provide a biocompatible and effective antimicrobial wound dressing for burn healing applications.