Electrospun PCL/PEG nanofibers incorporating <i>Plantago lanceolata</i> extract and clove oil for dual-function wound dressings

Abstract In this study, we developed electrospun polycaprolactone/polyethylene glycol (PCL/PEG) nanofibers loaded with Plantago lanceolata (P. lanceolata) extract and clove oil to evaluate their combined potential for wound healing and antibacterial activity. PCL/PEG nanofibers were electrospun and post-loaded with P. lanceolata extract at 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/v), together with 1% (v/v) clove oil. SEM analysis showed a uniform, bead-free nanofibrous structure, with fiber diameters ranging from 768 ± 140 nm to 892 ± 206 nm and pore sizes from 3.93 ± 0.97 µm to 6.20 ± 1.16 µm. The nanofibers exhibited swelling ratios between 103.23 ± 16.42% and 133.93 ± 40.45% within 1 hour and showed gradual degradation ranging from 25.92 ± 2.84% to 57.76 ± 0.92% over 21 days, with cumulative extract release approaching a plateau by day 28 under the experimental conditions. The incorporation of plant extract and essential oil initially increased the water contact angle from 15.97 ± 1.07° to 48.61 ± 7.85°, indicating that the nanofiber surface remained hydrophilic; at higher extract contents, the nanofibers transitioned to a superhydrophilic state. Antibacterial activity was primarily governed by clove oil, yielding up to 85.16 ± 0.36% efficacy against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 79.90 ± 0.29% against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) . While P. lanceolata extract alone showed limited antibacterial activity, its presence within clove oil-loaded nanofibers consistently enhanced antibacterial performance at the composite level. In vitro scratch assays demonstrated pronounced wound closure at later time points (72–96 h), particularly for nanofibers containing higher extract concentrations, confirming the dominant contribution of P. lanceolata to the healing response. Overall, the electrospun PCL/PEG nanofibers represent a dual-function wound dressing, with clove oil contributing antibacterial protection and P. lanceolata extract supporting wound healing.