In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of PVA Nanofibrous Mats Functionalized With Croton bonplandianum Baill. Leaf Extract for Wound Healing

Abstract

The demand for natural wound dressings has led to the development of bioactive nanofibrous mats as a promising alternative to conventional materials. This study focuses on the fabrication and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of PVA nanofiber mats infused with Croton bonplandianum Baill. (CBB) extract for wound healing. Electrospinning was employed to produce three formulations: CBB‐35, CBB‐45, and CBB‐55 ‐ the numbers representing the CBB percentage in the electrospinning solution. SEM confirmed uniform fibers, smallest diameter 198 nm for CBB‐55. FTIR validated the successful incorporation of CBB phytochemicals within the PVA matrix. Moisture Management Testing (MMT), following AATCC‐195‐2009, demonstrated superior hydrophilicity, essential for wound healing. Antimicrobial efficacy was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative), with CBB‐55 exhibiting the highest zone of inhibition (ZOI). Cytotoxicity analysis using African green monkey kidney epithelial cells confirmed over 95% cell viability after 48 h, indicating biocompatibility. In vivo wound healing in Wistar albino rats showed rapid recovery, with CBB‐55‐treated wounds achieving complete closure within 12 days, than the control (77%), CBB‐35 (85%), and CBB‐45 (89%). These findings establish the nanofibrous mats as a promising biocompatible wound‐healing solution with enhanced antimicrobial activity, paving the way for clinical applications of bioactive plant‐based wound dressings.