Biofunctionalized curcumin-loaded nanoid polymeric scaffold for skin care treatment

Abstract The continuously evolving need to improve methods of addressing skin repair problems has triggered the development of modern, fibrous scaffolds for simulating the extracellular matrix of cells and, consequently, the quicker and most effective regeneration without the risk of toxicity. At the same time, scaffolds loaded with drug, ideal for skin care, release the drug during fiber degradation. In the present study, a suitable blend of PLA and Chitosan polymeric biomaterials was selected to construct the scaffold and curcumin drug as medicinal substance. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the excellent fibrous morphology of the scaffold resulting from electrospinning process. A study of drug release from the fibers was carried out in parallel with a degradation study of the fibers over time, in order to obtain information on the release rate of the drug and the mass loss of the polymer. Cytotoxicity studies were performed to prove the cellular compatibility of the construct. MTT assay, Methylene Blue staining and observation by SEM during cell proliferation indicated the enhancement of cell proliferation from the scaffold. Finally, a protein immobilization procedure was carried out to prove the possibility of bio-functionalization of the fibers in the future with a protein factor that would give it further properties and possibilities of use. This nanoplatform offers great opportunities as a drug carrier and simultaneously as a simulation of an ideal nanoenvironment for cellular growth and communication and therefore for tissue regeneration.