Electrospun PVA Nanofibers Loaded with Antimicrobial Herbal Extracts for Healing the Infectious Wound

 Low-cost, soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymers enhance the efficacy of herbal formulations with established antimicrobial properties.

 This study investigates the healing process of Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds using PVA loaded with herbal extracts, including Arnebia euchroma, Allium sativum, and Echinacea purpurea.

 minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, Disk Diffusion Method (DDM) tests, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses were conducted on herbal extract samples. Twelve male Wistar rats were divided into G1: Negative control group (healthy mice), G2: Wound model + S. aureus (Positive control), G3: wound model + S. aureus + Povidone-iodine, and G4: Wound model + S. aureus + PVA/formulation. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunofluorescent staining were employed to assess wound healing.

 The ethanolic herbal extract exhibited potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with MIC and MBC values in the 1.87 mg/mL range. The PVA/formulation displayed a zone of inhibition with a diameter of 7 mm against S. aureus. Histopathological investigations indicated that the infected wound treated with nanofibers extract experienced a significant reduction in inflammation between days 7 and 14. Notably, the increased CD3 expression at this site was remarkable for the healing process.

 Consequently, this experimental study suggests combining PVA and herbal extracts enhances antibacterial properties and promotes CD3 expression and re-epithelialization effects.