Biocompatible Discopodium penninervium loaded chitosan-PVA electrospun fibrous scaffold wound dressing

Biocompatible electrospun fibrous scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) have significant potential in tissue engineering and wound healing applications. This study aimed to develop a novel scaffold by incorporating Discopodium penninervium (DP) leaf extract into chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol (CH-PVA) scaffolds via electrospinning and evaluate their biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and efficacy in wound healing. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified bioactive compounds in the DP extract, including phenolic acids, phytol, linolenic acid, and gamma-sitosterol, which are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-regenerative properties. The scaffolds exhibited a continuous, smooth, bead-free structure with fiber diameters ranging from 186 ± 24.1 nm to 236 ± 14.22 nm. Crosslinking (CL) with glutaraldehyde enhanced hydrophilicity, water absorbency, and biodegradability. Scaffolds with 2 % and 3 % DP extract demonstrated enhanced cell viability (up to 116.49 %) and improved antibacterial efficacy, with inhibition zones of 21 mm and 21.5 mm against E. coli and 21.2 mm and 21.8 mm against S. aureus , respectively, significantly outperforming the control group. In vivo studies showed accelerated wound closure (98 % within 15 days) compared to untreated controls (85 %). Enhanced angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition promoted faster healing, while modulation of IL-6 and TNF-α inflammatory markers balanced inflammation and tissue regeneration. These findings demonstrate the potential of DP-loaded CH-PVA scaffolds as innovative, sustainable, and effective wound dressings. Their enhanced healing properties and antibacterial performance present a promising solution for improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings where affordable and accessible treatments are critically needed.