“Green” nanofibrous hydrogel loaded with pineapple-derived bromelain for enhanced wound healing

The development of advanced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based biomedical materials is often hindered by the reliance on toxic chemicals and energy-intensive processes, raising sustainability and safety concerns. This work addresses these challenges by presenting a low-temperature, “green” approach for fabricating PVA-based nanofibrous hydrogels cross-linked with natural lemon juice ( Citrus limon ) and enriched with bromelain derived from pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) extract. Electrospun nanofibers containing fruit components were stabilized via mild thermal treatment at 60 °C, enabling covalent ester bond formation while avoiding harmful cross-linkers and preserving the enzymatic activity of bromelain. Analysis results confirmed the successful formation of hydrogel, its reduced solubility in aqueous environments, improved mechanical properties, and tunable pH-responsive swelling behavior. Bromelain incorporation altered cross-linking density, enhancing multifunctionality. The dual-bioactive hydrogel could release incorporated substances, demonstrating strong antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity. Moreover, the developed nanofibrous hydrogel showed photothermal response under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. In vitro assays using L929 fibroblasts demonstrated high biocompatibility and stimulated cell proliferation over extended culture periods. Moreover, the developed hydrogel supported early-stage wound closure, highlighting its importance in promoting the initial phases of the healing process, which are critical for effective tissue regeneration. By combining the natural bioactivities of lemon juice and bromelain with the structural advantages of electrospun PVA fibers, the developed nanoplatform offers a promising, environmentally friendly solution for advanced wound healing, bacterial elimination, and infection control applications.