Expanded Nanofibrous Polymeric Mats Incorporating Tetracycline-Loaded Silica Mesoporous Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Applications

Abstract

In this work, expanded electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber matsincorporating tetracycline-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) werefabricated for antimicrobial wound dressing applications. MSNs with high surface areawere synthesized and efficiently loaded with tetracycline, achieving sustained drugrelease. These nanoparticles were then embedded into both conventional (2D) and gas-expanded (3D) electrospun PVA mats. The gas-foaming process significantly enhancedthe mat´s thickness, promoting improved nanoparticle loading and diffusion properties.Physicochemical characterization confirmed the structural integrity, thermal stability, andsuccessful drug incorporation within the hybrid scaffolds. Antimicrobial tests againstEscherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated excellent bactericidal effects, withsuperior inhibition observed in 3D mats due to their higher drug loading capacity andfaster drug release related to the expanded structure. These results highlight the potentialof combining electrospinning, gas expansion, and nanocarriers to engineer advanced,drug-loaded fibrous scaffolds for wound healing.