Multifunctional electrospun nanofiber mats based on polycaprolactone/gelatin incorporated with Dunaliella salina oil for potential antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing applications

Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in wound tissue can lead to intense oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly hindering the wound healing. Therefore, effectively removing excess ROS at the wound site and alleviating inflammation are crucial for restoring the body's microenvironment and promoting wound healing. In this study, electrospun nanofibers of polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/GT) loaded with Dunaliella salina ( D. salina ) oil were prepared using electrospinning technology to facilitate wound healing. The physicochemical properties of the electrospun nanofibers were characterized through analytical tests, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the prepared electrospun nanofibers exhibit a randomly oriented fibrous morphology, with an average fiber diameter ranging from 0.34 to 0.97 μm, resembling the structure of the native extracellular matrix. The PCL/GT electrospun nanofibers effectively loaded D. salina oil, exhibiting good vapor permeability, water absorption (204–5138 g/m 2 ·d), thermal stability (up to 410 °C), adequate mechanical properties (tensile strength up to 5.85 MPa and elongation at break up to 162.67%), and no cytotoxicity toward L929 fibroblasts (cell viability≥80%). biodegradability, and thermal stability. Furthermore, these electrospun nanofibers enable sustained release of DSO for up to 30 days, significantly promote cell migration ( ca. PCL/GT/DSO-10%, 52% vs. control group, 34%) at 24 h, they could scavenge exogenous oxidants and promote macrophage-mediated endogenous antioxidant responses to combat oxidative stress damage. They also regulated macrophage polarization and the expression of inflammatory cytokines, exerting anti-inflammatory effects. This creates an optimal microenvironment for wound healing, highlighting the significant potential for applications in wound dressing.