Exploring the potential of incorporating ZIF-67 into electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan nanofibrous mats for wound healing.

The current research emphasis is on the development of wound dressings that can inhibit bacterial infections and facilitate the treatment of complex wound healing processes. In this study, nanofibrous mats of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/ZIF-67(PVA/Cs/ZIF-67) were prepared using an electrospinning technique, to investigate their antibacterial and regenerative properties in a rat model of full-thickness skin wounds. ZIF-67 nanoparticles, with an average size of approximately 373.5 nm and a high specific surface area of 1849 m2 g-1, were synthesized. The structural characteristics of the mats were analyzed using FTIR and FESEM. TEM and EDS analysis confirmed the presence of ZIF-67 crystals on the surface of the scaffolds. The PVA/Cs/ZIF-67 nanofibrous mat exhibits the requisite porosity, swelling ratio, WVTR, contact angle, and satisfactory mechanical properties in both dry and wet conditions. The cytotoxicity test demonstrated that the nanofibers containing ZIF-67 nanoparticles are biocompatible and capable of supporting cell adhesion. Moreover, the nanofibers exhibit notable antibacterial activity up to 90 %. Additionally, in animal studies, the PVA/Cs/ZIF-67 nanofibrous mat demonstrated superior efficacy in wound healing, accompanied by reduced inflammation and enhanced skin remodeling. This substantiates the considerable potential of the PVA/Cs/ZIF-67 nanofibrous mat as a wound dressing for full-thickness skin wound healing.