Enhancing Wound Healing Performance: The Effect of Lanthanum-doped Akermanite on Poly(caprolactone)-based Nanofibers

Abstract In this study, lanthanum-doped akermanite (La-doped AK) powders were synthesised via a combined sol–gel and heat-treatment route, and subsequently incorporated into poly(caprolactone) (PCL) using electrospinning to develop bioactive nanofibrous scaffolds for wound healing applications. The resulting nanofibers exhibited uniform morphology, enhanced surface roughness, and improved wettability, indicating favourable surface characteristics for cell–material interactions. Structural and thermal analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of La-doped AK into the polymeric matrix, and demonstrated improved crystallinity and thermal stability. A series of biological evaluations were conducted on the La-doped AK/PCL nanofibers, the results of which indicated that they possessed antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Additionally, the evaluations demonstrated that the nanofibers significantly promoted fibroblast proliferation and cell migration. Furthermore, gene expression analyses indicated the upregulation of angiogenesis- and extracellular matrix–related markers, suggesting enhanced regenerative potential. The findings demonstrate that La-doped AK/PCL nanofibrous scaffolds exhibit multifunctional bioactivity and represent a promising strategy for advanced wound dressing applications aimed at accelerating tissue regeneration and healing.