Concurrent electrospinning of microporous metal-organic framework-laden casein/PVA nanofibrous composites for potential antibacterial wound dressing applications

This study describes the fabrication of electrospun casein/PVA nanofibers containing metal-organic framework (MOF) with antibacterial and hemostatic properties. Different amounts of MOF particles (1-5 wt.%) were incorporated into casein/PVA nanofibers through a concurrent electrospinning technique. The surface property, structure, and morphology of fabricated nanofibrous composites were characterized by different techniques, including field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. The results revealed the formation of uniform and bead-free nanofibers with an average diameter between 80 and 150 nm. It is shown that the MOF addition during the electrospinning of casein/PVA nanofibers enhances the wettability properties and hemostatic performance. The highest hydrophilicity was obtained for casein/PVA-MOF-1% with a contact angle of about 42 degrees. Blood clotting time results revealed the significant role of MOF in the shortening of the clotting time, beneficial from the porous nature of MOF and the hydrophilic nature of casein/PVA-MOF nanofibrous composites. Additionally, the casein/PVA-MOF nanofibrous composites exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, thanks to the presence of zinc-based MOF. The results of this study suggest that the developed casein/PVA-MOF nanofibrous composite can be considered an excellent candidate for utilization in hemostatic wound dressing applications.