Electrospun zein/graphene oxide nanosheet composite nanofibers with controlled drug release as antibacterial wound dressing

In this work, zein/Graphene oxide (GO) composite nanofibers were fabricated. Furthermore, tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) was incorporated in dressings by loading on GO nanosheets. The morphology, mechanical properties, and biological activity of the composites were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the nanofiber diameter decreased with increased GO loading. Tensile testing indicated that incorporation of GO up to 1 wt% significantly increased the mechanical properties of the zein nanofibers. Drug loaded nanofibers showed a significantly prolonged release profile compared to zein nanofibers. Additionally, cellular studies demonstrated that GO content up to 1 wt% enhanced adhesion and proliferation of cells.