Cerium oxide nanoparticle-containing poly (ε-caprolactone)/gelatin electrospun film as a potential wound dressing material: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Abstract

In the present study, cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles were incorporated into poly (ε-caprolactone)/gelatin films in order to develop a potential wound dressing material. The wound dressings were prepared by electrospinning of poly (ε-caprolactone)/gelatin (1:1 (w/w)) solutions containing 1.50%, 3% and 6% (w/w) CeO₂ nanoparticles. The electrospun films were evaluated regarding their morphology, contact angle, water-uptake capacity, water vapor transmission rate, tensile strength and cellular response. The film containing 1.50% CeO₂ nanoparticles was chosen as the optimal dressing for the in vivo study on full-thickness excisional wounds of rats. The study showed that after 2weeks, the wounds treated with the CeO₂ nanoparticle-containing dressing achieved a significant closure to nearly 100% compared with the sterile gauze with the nearly 63% of wound closure. Our results provided evidence supporting the possible applicability of CeO₂ nanoparticle-containing wound dressing for a successful wound treatment.

Keywords: Cerium oxide; Electrospinning; Gelatin; Poly (ε-caprolactone); Wound dressing.