Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Poly(Ethylene Glycol)Dithiol Electrospun Nanofibers As a Carrier for the Potent Phytomedicine Bromelain

Bromelain, known for its anticancer, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties, is a mixture of cysteine proteinases widely utilized in cosmetics and burn debridement. Its effects on wound healing are linked to enhance tissue reconstitution. In this study, we introduced a blend of hydrophilic dithiol-tagged poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGdt) and hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers for the delivery of the potent phytomedicine bromelain. Following the determination of the optimum concentration of PEG-dt, we observed the enhancing effect of bromelain addition on both the physical characteristics and biocompatibility of electrospun nanofibers (ENs). An increased concentration of bromelain was found to enhance the hydrophilicity of PCL/PEGdt, as indicated by contact angle analysis. The addition of bromelain also created a favorable surface for cell adhesion. Overall, the proven biocompatibility and wettability of bromelain-added PCL/PEGdt ENs reveal their potential to address problems of existing cosmetic solutions in wound dressings, such as insufficient ability to absorb excess wound exudate