Electrospun Silybin Enriched Scaffolds of Polyethylene Oxide as Wound Dressings: Enhanced Wound Closure, Reepithelization in Rat Excisional Wound Model

  Aim/ Background: Wounds are considered as a common health problem due to their considerable burden on social life. Polymeric nanofibers have attracted attention in wound dressings due to their large surface area, smaller size and biocompatibility. The objective of this research is to develop silybin loaded polymeric scaffolds and further to check its efficacy in wound healing. Materials and Methods: Silybin loaded polymeric scaffolds was developed using polyethylene oxide as a polymer and glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker by electrospinning technique. It was characterized for scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, swelling behavior, water uptake capacity and drug release kinetics. Further, in vivo studies were carried out on rats by excisional wound model. Histopathological studies were performed to investigate the healing process. Results: From the results of scanning electron microscopy, 3% Polyethylene oxide in dichloromethane: dimethyl formamide (8:2) mixture was selected for further characterization. Swelling index for prepared electrospun scaffolds was found to be 62.40%, whereas water uptake capacity was found to be 38.42%. Release kinetics suggested sustained release of silybin. The histopathological study indicated that silybin loaded scaffolds improved the results for granulation tissue score, wound maturity score, period of epithelisation and collagen distribution. Conclusion: It can be concluded that silybin enriched nanofibrous scaffold of polyethylene oxide is beneficial in topical applications to form the basis for new skin regenerating and wound healing.