Aim: This study evaluates the effect of electrospun dressings in critical sized full-thickness skin defects in rabbits. Materials & methods: Electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were tested in vitro and in vivo. Results: The PCL scaffold supported the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The PVA scaffold showed significant swelling, high elongation capacity, limited protein adsorption and stimulation of cells. Nanofibrous dressings improved wound healing compared with the control group in vivo. A change of the PCL dressing every 7 days resulted in a decreased epithelial thickness and type I collagen level in the adhesive group, indicating peeling off of the newly formed tissue. In the PVA dressings, the exchange did not affect healing. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the importance of proper dressing exchange.
Keywords: electrospinning; nanofibers; polycaprolactone; polyvinyl alcohol; wound healing.