Coaxial Electrospun Nanofibers of Shikonin and Cresol as Antibacterial Wound Dressing

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Skin wounds interrupt the natural anatomy and function of the skin. The body passes through four physiological phases to repair wounds after injury. Since the fibers are more closely related to the extracellular matrix structure, they can be used as scaffolds to accelerate wound closure. Shikonin is a botanical herbal remedy used as an anti-inflammatory agent and for its wound-healing characteristics. Cresols are known for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties, which promote their utilization as a disinfectant in soap. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate shikonin and cresol-loaded nanofibers for a dual wound-healing and antibacterial wound dressing in vitro. Methods: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the drug-loaded nanofibers against diverse Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition assays. Results: Scanning electron microscopy images showed successful formulation of shikonin/cresol fibers with an average diameter of 772 ± 152 nm. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading for the dual drug-loaded fibers were 44 ± 1% and 25 ± 1 µg/mg, respectively, for shikonin, and 38 ± 1% and 21 ± 0.5 µg/mg, respectively, for cresol, with a full release of both drugs achieved after 180 min. The combination of both compounds exhibited a safe concentration of ≤6 µg/mL, with cell viability of >50% in human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1) after 24 h. The MIC results indicated that the combination was efficient as an antibacterial agent against Gram-positive bacteria at a safe concentration. The shikonin/cresol-loaded fibrous system showed an inhibition zone close to that of the control drugs, suggesting that the drugs have retained their antibacterial activity after electrospinning. Conclusions: This dual drug-loaded fiber system showed a high potential as an antibacterial wound dressing for skin infection injuries. However, in vivo studies are required to assess the safety and efficacy in an animal model of the dual drug-loaded fiber system.