In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of rPET/Cu-Alg Nanofibers for Anti-Infective Therapy

With the growing interest in nanofibers and the urgent need to address environmental concerns associated with plastic waste, there is an increasing focus on using recycled materials to develop advanced healthcare solutions. This study explores the potential of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanofibers, functionalized with copper-enhanced alginate, for applications in wound dressings. Nanofibers with desirable antimicrobial properties were developed using chemical recycling and electrospinning techniques, offering a sustainable and effective option for managing wound infections and promoting healing. SEM and FT-IR analyses confirmed that the obtained nanofibers possess optimal physicochemical properties, including well-organized morphology, appropriate dimensions, and structural integrity. Biological evaluations revealed significant antimicrobial activity, with the materials effectively inhibiting microbial adherence and biofilm formation while maintaining good biocompatibility in both in vitro and in vivo studies. These findings highlight the potential of recycled PET-based nanofibers as advanced wound dressing materials to reduce infection risks and support tissue regeneration in clinical applications.