Multifunctional bilayer membranes composed of poly(lactic acid), beta-chitin whiskers and silver nanoparticles for wound dressing applications.

Nanomaterial-based wound dressings have been extensively studied for the treatment of both minor and life-threatening tissue injuries. These dressings must possess several crucial characteristics, such as tissue compatibility, non-toxicity, appropriate biodegradability to facilitate wound healing, effective antibacterial activity to prevent infection, and adequate physical and mechanical strength to withstand repetitive dynamic forces that could potentially disrupt the healing process. Nevertheless, the development of nanostructured wound dressings that incorporate various functional micro- and nanomaterials in distinct architectures, each serving specific purposes, presents significant challenges. In this study, we successfully developed a novel multifunctional wound dressing based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibrous membranes produced by solution-blow spinning (SBS) and electrospinning. To enhance the wound-dressing properties, PLA fibrous membranes were surface-modified. First, beta-chitin whiskers were introduced onto the membrane surface through a filtration process to render them hydrophilic. Next, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were incorporated using a spray process so that they exhibited antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, cytotoxic tests indicated biocompatibility of the membrane with human dermal fibroblasts neonatal (HDFn). Moreover, bilayer membranes exhibit high surface area and porosity (> 80 %), remarkable stability in aqueous media, and favorable mechanical properties. These outstanding features make them promising candidates for multifunctional wound dressings.