Electrospun membranes from natural polymers with Quercetin: design and characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and potential for skin reinnervation in chronic wounds

The rising problem of chronic wounds demands the investigation of therapeutic solutions that are easy to use, target microbial infection and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the wound site, and account for skin reinnervation. The aim of this research was to develop electrospun membranes from natural polymers - chitosan (CS) and fish gelatin (FG) - crosslinked with citric acid, incorporating quercetin as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to enhance its therapeutic potential. The produced membranes exhibited a uniform morphology and a cross-shaped network, providing porosity and the ability to sustain hydrolytic degradation. Drug delivery assays revealed a higher release percentage at pH 7.4 and pH 8, which correspond to wound site conditions. However, quercetin degradation at this pH suggests the need for encapsulation. Antioxidant activity analysis confirmed quercetin's great antioxidant capabilities, reaching up to 93.71 ± 0.92 % for pure quercetin, and 53.77 ± 3.09 % for quercetin-containing fibers. Neuronal differentiation assays demonstrated quercetin's ability to promote neuronal differentiation. Antibacterial activity was tested for the membranes against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Methycillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results showed a beneficial effect from incorporating quercetin into the membranes in reducing MRSA growth but no noticeable effects on E. coli. These findings highlight the potential of quercetin-loaded fibers for wound healing applications, with antioxidant, antibacterial, and neurogenic properties.