DEVELOPMENT OF WALNUT AND PUMPKIN SEED OIL-LOADED PHBV NANOFIBROUS MATS AND NANOFIBROUS SPONGES

Nanofibrous polymeric biomaterials that incorporate bioactive agents have emerged as a focal point in various applications due to their distinctive properties. Walnut and pumpkin seed oils, which are rich in bioactive compounds, significantly enhance antioxidant capacity, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, and support skin hydration. This study aimed to produce and characterize (poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanofibrous mats and sponges loaded with varying concentrations of walnut and pumpkin seed oils, utilizing electrospinning and wet-electrospinning techniques. The morphologies of the developed biomaterials were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing that the mats presented smooth, continuous fibers free of beads, while the sponges showcased a three-dimensional, porous structure that was equally bead-free. Fiber diameter analysis using ImageJ software indicated an average range of 500 to 800 nm. Additionally, the percent porosity of the mats was approximately 60%, whereas the sponges exhibited about 75% porosity. To further analyze the chemical structure and confirm the presence of the oils, Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was employed. The findings from this research demonstrated the successful production of PHBV nanofibrous mats and sponges loaded with walnut and pumpkin seed oils for the first time. These innovative materials show considerable promise for biomedical applications, including bioactive packaging, facial masks, and wound dressing.