Development of a Gentamicin-Loaded Silk Fibroin/Carbon Nanofiber Composite for Use as an Antibacterial Wound Dressing

Date

2025-8-21

Author

Karaaslan, Gizem

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Healing of chronic wounds remains a global healthcare challenge with profound socioeconomic implications. Addressing this issue requires advanced wound dressings combining biocompatibility, mechanical strength, moisture retention, and effective microbial protection. For this purpose, gentamicin-loaded porous silk fibroin (SF)–carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite dressings were developed. SF, a natural biocompatible polymer, provides a favorable environment for tissue regeneration, while CNF enhances mechanical strength without adverse tissue responses. The porous architecture facilitates antibiotic loading, moisture retention, and gas exchange, promoting healing. Dressings were fabricated via salt-leaching, followed by gentamicin loading to prevent bacterial colonization. Porosity and morphology were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CNF incorporation was confirmed by peak shifts in X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, while the β-sheet structure of SF was characterized by XRD and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). CNF integration resulted in a two-fold tensile strength increase, and the dressings exhibited ~600% swelling ratio. Gentamicin loading and release kinetics were quantified using UV–Vis spectroscopy following the gentamicin–OPA reaction. Cytocompatibility was assessed by seeding human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells on the dressings and evaluating proliferation via MTT assay. Cell migration studies showed no negative effect on keratinocyte migration. Antibacterial testing demonstrated efficacy against Gram-negative Escherichia coli for up to 4 days and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus for up to 7 days, with biofilm biomass reduced by ~50% in both strains. These results highlight gentamicin-loaded SF–CNF composite dressings as a multifunctional strategy for promoting wound healing and preventing infection in chronic wounds.

Subject Keywords

Wound Dressing, Silk Fibroin, Carbon Nanofiber, Drug Delivery, Gentamicin

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/116054

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Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis