N-acetylcysteine-loaded Electrospun Mats Improve Wound Healing in Mice and Human Fibroblast Proliferation : a Potential Application of Nanotechnology in Wound Care

Overview

Journal Iran J Basic Med Sci

Publisher Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2021 Jan 25

PMID 33489034

Authors

Ramin Seyedian

Elham Shabankareh Fard

Maryam Najafiasl

Majid Assadi

Sasan Zaeri

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has gained attention recently in dermatology as a unique anti-oxidant. In light of progress in nanotechnological methods, it was hypothesized that loading NAC onto nanofibers would positively affect skin wound healing. The objective of this study was to fabricate NAC-loaded electrospun mats and test their effect on wound healing and .

Materials And Methods: Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based mats loaded with NAC at three concentrations were electrospun and characterized in terms of physicochemical properties and drug release profile. Human fibroblast cells () and mouse full-thickness skin wounds () were treated with mats for 5 and 14 days, respectively. Wound area, tissue histopathology, fibroblast proliferation and cellular oxidative state were evaluated.

Results: Mats containing 5% PVA/NAC showed thinner fibers with suitable physicochemical properties and a sustained drug release profile. PVA/NAC (5%) mats enhanced fibroblast proliferation and attachment . The mats resulted in significant wound closure with high levels of re-epithelialization and collagen fiber synthesis on day 14 post-surgery The mats also reduced granulation tissue and edematous stroma to a higher extent. These findings were accompanied by a significant decrease in tissue lipid peroxidation and higher superoxide dismutase activity, which may explain how NAC improved wound healing.

Conclusion: We propose an NAC-loaded nanofibrous mat that takes the advantage of a porous nanoscaffold structure to release NAC in a sustained manner. This mat may be a promising candidate for further clinical evaluation.

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