Engineering and optimisation of medically multi-functional mesoporous SiO2 fibers as effective wound dressing material

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel strategy for the preparation of flexible mesoporous SiO₂ fibers containing silver nanoparticles (Ag-cSiO₂@mSiO₂) as an effective wound dressing. The Ag-cSiO₂@mSiO₂ was core–shell structured, composed of a condensed electrospun SiO₂ nanofiber doped with Ag NPs (silver nanoparticles) and a mesoporous SiO₂ shell. Due to a high specific surface area and large pore volume, the Ag-cSiO₂@mSiO₂ can substantially absorb exudates, the absorption capacity for water and SBF (simulated body fluid) reached 267 wt% and 254 wt% of the sample, respectively. Additionally, the mesopores can also act as hosts for the accommodation of drugs. The Loading capacity of IBU (ibuprofen) reached up to 18 wt% of the sample, and its release was relatively fast, more than 85% of the drug was released within 12 h. The condensed core of the SiO₂ nanofiber not only endowed the sample with a high flexibility, but also slowly released silver to possess a sustained antibiotic effect. Considering its effective exudate-absorption ability, dual drug-release profiles (fast release of IBU and sustained release of silver), together with its chemical and physical stability, biocompatibility and high flexibility, Ag-cSiO₂@mSiO₂ could be a promising wound dressing material.