Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol/ <i>Withania Somnifera</i> Extract Nanofibers Incorporating Tadalafil-Loaded Nanoparticles for Diabetic Ulcers
Asmaa M. Elsherbini, Sally Sabra, Shimaa Rashed, Doaa A. Abdelmonsif, Medhat Haroun, Thanaa I. Shalaby
Abstract
Background: Impaired inflammation and vascularization are common reasons for delayed diabetic wound healing. Nanoparticles (NPs)-in-nanofibers composites can manage diabetic wounds. A multifunctional scaffold was developed based on tadalafil (TDF)-loaded NPs incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol/Withania somnifera extract nanofibers. Materials & methods: TDF-loaded NPs were prepared and fully characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties. Extract of ashwagandha was prepared and a blend composed of TDF-loaded NPs, herbal extract and polyvinyl alcohol was used to prepare the whole composite. Results: The whole composite exhibited improved wound closure in a diabetic rat model in terms of reduced inflammation and enhanced angiogenesis. Conclusion: Results suggest that this multifunctional composite could serve as a promising diabetic wound dressing.