Fabrication and Characterization of Multifunctional Silicon Nitride Blow-Spun Nanofibers for Wound Healing Applications

Wound healing is a critically essential but complex process requiring intense or prolonged medical intervention to achieve positive clinical outcomes. In addition, the increasing prevalence of chronic nonhealing wounds places a significant burden on a patient’s quality of life and a sizeable financial strain on healthcare providers, especially as the treatment options are limited. This research aimed to fabricate multifunctional antimicrobial nanocomposite fibers with enhanced mechanical properties to facilitate wound healing and reduce microbial infection. We used a patented electrodeposition process to coat magnesium (MgO) on the halloysite (HNT) outer surface. Using the solution blow spinning technique, nanocomposite fibers were spun as a square (4 in X 4 in) onto sterile gauze. Material characterization was used to confirm the presence of MgO on the HNT outer surface. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The effects of nanocomposite fiber on human fibroblast cell response were also evaluated. An in vitro wound healing assay assessed the wound healing potential of the MgO/HNT composite fibers. SEM images revealed the presence of Mg on the HNT surface, which Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy confirmed. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that the composite fibers were non-toxic to mammalian cells. Cell proliferation assays showed that Si3N4 enhanced proliferation. The nanocomposite fibers also promoted cell migration into an in vitro “mechanical wound” created by the scratch assay.