Multifunctional silk fibroin and cellulose acetate composite nanofibers incorporated with palladium and platinum nanoparticles for enhanced wound healing: Comprehensive characterization and in vivo assessment

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that relies on various factors for optimal tissue regeneration. Current wound management methods often lack the efficiency needed to address these challenges. In this study, we prepared and conducted a comprehensive analysis of silk fibroin and cellulose acetate composite nanofibers incorporated with palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles, emphasizing their potential as advanced materials for wound healing. Electron microscopy reveals nanofibrous scaffolds with interconnected fibers, an average diameter of 168.95 +/- 135.79 nm, and Pd and Pt nanoparticles of 10.64 nm and 9.21 nm, with thicknesses ranging from 1.48 nm to 2.13 nm. The analysis of swelling, degradation, porosity, and mechanical strength highlights their capacity to absorb exudates from wound surfaces, promote cell adhesion, and support tissue regeneration. In vitro evaluation demonstrates significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zone values of 16 mm and 18 mm, respectively. Cell migration, proliferation, and biocompatibility are assessed using the L929 fibroblast cell line with the ethidium bromide (EtBr) dye. In vivo studies on Sprague-Dawley rats indicate SF/CA/Pd-Pt composite nanofibers have exceptional wound healing efficiency, reaching 99.31% compared to the SF/CA matrix. High hemocompatibility, with erythrocyte percentages ranging from 1.6% to 4.1%, further supports these nanofibers wound healing properties. Histopathological analysis, employing hematoxylin and eosin staining, provides valuable insights into tissue regeneration, assessing reepithelialization, granulation, angiogenesis, and reduced inflammation. These findings emphasize the potential of Pd and Pt nanoparticles incorporated into SF/CA composite nanofiber scaffolds as advanced biomedical materials, particularly for wound healing applications.