Bilayer Nanofiber Scaffold Incorporated with Mupirocin and Thyme Essential Oil for Synergistic Activity Against Bacterial Wound Infections

Abstract

This study aimed to fabricate a bilayer nanofiber scaffold using an electrospinning process, incorporating a drug and oil-containing polymeric emulsion to enhance its effectiveness against bacterial wound infections. The research focused on characterizing the scaffold's morphology, chemical composition, thermal behavior, porosity, swelling ratio, drug release kinetics, in-vitro permeation, ex vivo skin permeation, and antimicrobial activity. Results from invitro drug permeation studies demonstrated an initial rapid release of Mupirocin (53% in 6 h) followed by sustained release (92.17% in 72 h). In comparison, Thyme Essential Oil exhibited a release profile with an initial burst followed by sustained release (85.45% release in 10 h). The ex vivo skin permeation data revealed greater permeability compared to conventional films; notably, the bilayer nanofiber scaffold exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to singlelayer Mupirocin and Thyme Essential Oil scaffolds, indicating a synergistic effect between Mupirocin and Thyme Essential Oil. This research offers an innovative approach to wound management with potential clinical implications.