Exploring of therapeutic potential of indirubin-loaded nanofibrous scaffolds for localized melanoma treatment

Nanofibrous scaffolds have been established as capable platforms for localized drug delivery systems of skin cancer management. Our study aimed to develop an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold loaded with indirubin, a naturally occurring bisindole alkaloid found in plants that bear indigo, for efficient targeted chemotherapy. The scaffold was prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS), using the electrospinning process, and incorporated with indirubin. Additional experiments were conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties, perform antioxidant assays, and analyze the release profile. The scaffolds’ anticancer activity was evaluated on human skin melanoma cells. The prepared indirubin-loaded PVA/CS scaffold exhibited nanofibers (NFs) with a nanoscale diameter, a defect-free, and homogeneous morphology. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of indirubin into the scaffold. The scaffold displayed a hydrophilic surface, sufficient mechanical strength, high porosity, and a high liquid absorption capacity. In addition, the incorporation of 15 wt% indirubin demonstrated notable antioxidant properties, and its release from the NFs occurred in a controlled and extended manner over approximately 72 h. Furthermore, the scaffold significantly declined cell viability and induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. It is believed that an indirubin-loaded PVA/CS nanofibrous scaffold holds promise as a valuable system for localized melanoma treatment.