Preparation and evaluation of polylactic acid/ chitosan nanofibers containing dexpanthenol on diabetic wound healing in rat

Poor blood flow and damage to the expression of growth factors cause late healing of diabetic wounds. Dexpanthenol is an accelerates wound healing and pruritus relief by stimulating epithelialization and granulation in mild eczemas and dermatoses. Nanofibers have been widely used in wound healing due to their excellent porosity, high moisture absorption, antibacterial properties, and good oxygen exchange rate. First, the polylactic acid/chitosan polymer base was synthesized using a microwave device. Solution 2.5% and 5% dexpanthenol were prepared and the drug was loaded into the polymer base using the reflux system. Then, nanofibers containing dexpanthenol were prepared using an electrospinning machine. Then, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction technique were used to identify and determine the structural properties. A cordouan device was used to investigate the particle size distribution. UV method was used to investigate the optical properties of nanofibers. In the animal study, 24 male rats in four groups were used and after induction diabetes in rats, ulcers were created using the punch. Then therapeutic interventions were performed and the wound healing process was measured by measuring the wound area and calculating the healing percentage. Results of particle size analysis indicating nanofiber formation with the average particle size of 84.612 nanometers. The images obtained from SEM show the appropriate morphology of the synthesized nanofibers. The results of an animal study indicate the positive role of nanofibers containing dexpanthenol in the speed of the wound healing process is faster in the treatment group than in the control group.