Development of electrospun nanofibrous composite membrane of tannic acid–cellulose acetate: Advancing antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activity

• Metal-Phenolic Networks with Tannic Acid (TA) and Zirconium Cations (Zr IV ): This study develops stable, functional membrane-enhancing antioxidant and antimicrobial properties crucial for wound healing. • In-Situ Silver Nanoparticle Formation: Tannic Acid is used to generate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) directly on nanofibers, significantly increasing antibacterial efficacy. • Electrospun High Surface Area Membrane: The electrospinning technique creates a porous nanofibrous membrane, optimizing the delivery of active ingredients for enhanced therapeutic effects. Tannic acid (TA) is a polyphenol with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a potent antioxidant for treating wounds, ulcers, and dermatological conditions. Metabolic processes that produce excessive reactive oxygen and cause bacterial invasion interfere with wound healing. While wounds generate abundant reactive oxygen species to combat pathogens, this can lead to oxidative stress by accumulating reactive oxygen species within cells, ultimately damaging cellular components and triggering cell death. In this study, TA, which has antioxidant capacity, was prepared using cellulose acetate (CA) to fabricate a nanocomposite membrane via electrospinning. Zr IV ions were also introduced to self-assemble with TA, forming metal-phenolic networks. Through the reduction capability of TA, the Tollens reagent was in-situ reduced on the surface of the nanofibers to generate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Moreover, incorporating nanosilver further improved antibacterial efficacy, resulting in a 75% reduction in bacterial presence within 1 hr and 95% within 12 hr. This method provides a straightforward approach for creating novel electrospun nanofibrous composite membranes with remarkable antibacterial properties, high biocompatibility, and free radical scavenging activity. Electrospinning yields a highly porous structure with interconnected nanofibers, providing a large surface area ideal for effectively delivering active ingredients from the membrane.