Nano- and Microfiber PVB Patches as Natural Oil Carriers for Atopic Skin Treatment
Zuzanna J. Krysiak, Łukasz Kaniuk, Sara Metwally, Piotr K. Szewczyk, Ewa A. Sroczyk, Petra Peer, Paulina Lisiecka-Graca, Russell J. Bailey, Emiliano Bilotti, Urszula Stachewicz
Abstract
electrospinning for the designed patches used as oil carriers for atopic skin treatment. The biocompatibility of PVB patches was analyzed using proliferation tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which combined with a focused ion beam (FIB) allowed for the 3D visualization of patches. The oil spreading tests with evening primrose, black cumin seed, and borage were verified with cryo-SEM, which showed the advantage nanofibers have over microfibers as carriers for low-viscosity oils. The skin tests expressed the usability and the enhanced oil delivery performance for electrospun patches. We demonstrate that through the material nano- and microstructure, commercially available polymers such as PVB have great potential to be deployed as a biomaterial in medical applications, such as topical treatments for chronic skin conditions.