Aligned Electrospun PCL/PLA Nanofibers Containing Green-Synthesized CeO2 Nanoparticles for Enhanced Wound Healing
Yuan Le, Wen‐Ta Su
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex biological process that benefits from advanced biomaterials capable of modulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. In this study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) were green-synthesized using Hemerocallis citrina extract, which served as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The CeO2NPs exhibited a spherical morphology, a face-centered cubic crystalline structure, and an average size of 9.39 nm, as confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and TEM analyses. These nanoparticles demonstrated no cytotoxicity and promoted fibroblast migration, while significantly suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, NO, and ROS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Gene expression analysis indicated M2 macrophage polarization, with upregulation of Arg-1, IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-β. Aligned polycaprolactone/polylactic acid (PCL/PLA) nanofibers embedded with CeO2NPs were fabricated using electrospinning. The composite nanofibers exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, including porosity, mechanical strength, swelling behavior, and sustained cerium ions release. In a rat full-thickness wound model, the CeO2 nanofiber-treated group showed a 22% enhancement in wound closure compared to the control on day 11. Histological evaluation revealed reduced inflammation, enhanced granulation tissue, neovascularization, and increased collagen deposition. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of CeO2-incorporated nanofiber scaffolds for accelerated wound repair and inflammation modulation.