Bioengineered Silk Sericin/Poly(vinyl Alcohol) Composite Dressings Incorporated with Tranexamic Acid-Entrapped Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Wound Healing and Regenerative Applications

Abstract

Discrepancies in wound healing and uncontrolled bleeding pose a threat to wound care, which necessitates the development of innovative bioactive wound dressings. This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of the polymer nanocomposite films made from silk sericin and poly(vinyl alcohol), incorporating tranexamic acid and varying concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles, using the solution casting method for hemostatic wound-healing applications. The incorporation of copper oxide nanoparticles into the polymer matrix enhanced the mechanical performance of the polymer composite films while maintaining the structural integrity. The different formulations of polymer nanocomposite films exhibited water vapor transmission rates within a range of 793.58 ± 8.54 g/m2 to 907.02 ± 11.81 g/m2. The films also displayed good water absorption values ranging from 101.27 ± 2.03% to 158.88 ± 1.83%, which are favorable for the effective absorption of wound exudates, thereby reducing the chances of infection. The polymer nanocomposite film with the highest concentration of copper oxide nanoparticles exhibits an enzymatic degradation rate of 61.67 ± 0.54% after 14 days and a 97.1 ± 0.1% of cell migration rate, as evidenced from the in vitro wound scratch assay. Overall, the prepared polymer nanocomposite films have a significant potential to be used as next-generation wound dressing materials.