Ternary co-encapsulation in electrospun PVA fibers: release kinetics and mechanisms

Aims This study aimed to develop and evaluate a ternary co-encapsulation system based on electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers containing Aloe vera extract, methylglyoxal (MGO), and collagen for multifunctional wound-healing applications with controlled therapeutic delivery.Materials and methods Electrospun nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Swelling, degradation, and in vitro release profiles were evaluated under physiological conditions. Release kinetics were analyzed using Korsmeyer–Peppas and Weibull models. Antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was assessed according to JIS Z 2801. Cytocompatibility was evaluated using human fibroblast cultures following ISO 10993–5 guidelines.Results The co-encapsulated nanofibers exhibited homogeneous morphology with fiber diameters of 350–500 nm and preserved bioactive agents´ integrity. The system showed a biphasic release profile, with rapid Aloe vera release (~80% within 4 h) followed by sustained MGO and collagen release up to 160 h. Release behavior involved coupled diffusion, polymer relaxation, and partial matrix dissolution. The ternary system demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, achieving approximately 99.4% inhibition of E. coli, while maintaining excellent cytocompatibility with cell viability above 100%.Conclusions The ternary co-encapsulation strategy synergistic antimicrobial and regenerative effects through controlled multi-agent delivery in electrospun PVA wound-dressing platforms.