Preparation and evaluation of a polycaprolactone/chitosan/propolis fibrous nanocomposite scaffold as a tissue engineering skin substitute

Introduction: Recently, the application of nanofibrous mats for dressing skin wounds has received great attention. In this study, we aimed to fabricate and characterize an electrospun mat containing polycaprolactone (PCL), chitosan (CTS), propolis use as a tissue-engineered substitute. Methods: Raw was extracted, its phenolic flavonoid contents were measured. The physiochemical biological properties fabricated mats, including PCL, PCL/CTS, PCL/CTS/Propolis evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force (AFM), mechanical analysis, swelling degradation behaviors, contact angle measurement, cell attachment, DAPI staining, MTT assay. On other hand, drug release pattern from scaffold determined. A deep second-degree burn wound model induced in rats investigate healing using macroscopical histopathological evaluations. Results: results revealed that extract contained high amounts compounds. had suitable physicochemical properties. Uniform, bead-free, well-branched fibers observed SEM images mats. AFM analysis indicated addition CTS PCL elevated surface roughness. biocompatible. presence fibroblast cells on confirmed staining images. Also, sustainably released mat. animal study significantly improved healing. Conclusion: can be applied substitute cutaneous wounds, such wounds.