Copper and fluorine-MOFs loaded-electrospun PVA/gelatin nanofibers for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of topical wound dressings: MOFs synthesis and spinning conditions optimization

In this study, we demonstrate the production of Cu-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (HKUST-1) and F–Cu-MOFs (F-HKUST-1)-loaded electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin (PG) nanofibers for enhancing wound healing and antimicrobial activity in fabricated mats. Copper-and fluorine-based metal-organic frameworks were successfully prepared under different conditions. The MOF/PG nanofibers were characterized for their physicochemical properties, including mechanical strength and water uptake, using FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TGA analyses. The results revealed that MOFs and F-based MOFs incorporated into PG nanofibers exhibited good mechanical and thermal properties. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the functional groups and structural integrity of the prepared MOFs. The antimicrobial efficacy tests showed the highest growth reduction percentages in Staphylococcus aureus (99.72 ± 0.78 %), Klebsiella pneumoniae (97.76 ± 0.44 %), and Candida parapsilosis (94.50 ± 0.75 %). The biocompatibility of PVA, combined with gelatin's ability to stimulate epithelialization and granulation tissue development, contributed to improving the wound healing. The addition of HKUST-1 and F-HKUST-1 further enhanced the antimicrobial and wound healing effects.