Research Projects

Wound healing is a complex biological process comprising overlapping stages-hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. However, dysregulated fibroblast activity and excessive collagen deposition can result in pathological scarring. The proposed research aims to develop a dual-drug coaxial electrospun nanofiber system for intelligent wound healing and scar prevention by delivering phase-specific therapeutic agents in a controlled, stimuli-responsive manner. The nanofiber will be fabricated via coaxial electrospinning, using a hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sheath loaded with Tranexamic Acid (TXA) for rapid hemostasis and a hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) core encapsulating Nintedanib for long-term antifibrotic effects. PVA, being water-soluble, facilitates quick drug release, while PVDF offers piezoelectric properties for intelligent drug delivery. The rationale for selecting PVDF lies in its ability to generate localized electrical signals upon mechanical deformation. These signals enable on-demand, stimuli-triggered drug release modulated by physiological movements at the wound site (e.g., muscle contractions), providing temporally precise delivery of antifibrotic agents during the later healing phases, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing systemic exposure. TXA is a clinically approved antifibrinolytic that stabilizes clots during early healing. Nintedanib, also clinically approved, is a broad-spectrum antifibrotic agent that inhibits tyrosine kinase receptors (PDGF, FGF, VEGF), which are involved in fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and ECM remodeling - key contributors to hypertrophic scars and keloids. By downregulating pro-fibrotic markers such as TGF-β1, α-SMA, and Collagen-I, Nintedanib targets the core mechanisms of fibrosis, enabling scar-free healing. The proposed work includes: (1) optimizing coaxial electrospinning parameters; (2) characterizing nanofiber morphology, structure, and mechanical strength using SEM, FTIR, XRD, and tensile testing; (3) evaluating in vitro drug release under static and mechanically stimulated conditions; (4) assessing piezoelectric response of PVDF; and (5) performing biological evaluation using HaCaT and L929 cell lines through MTT, scratch assay, Sirius Red staining, and fibrosis marker analysis. This dual-drug nanofiber system integrating TXA-loaded PVA and Nintedanib-loaded PVDF is novel and unreported. The platform offers dual functionality - immediate hemostasis and prolonged antifibrotic action - coupled with stimuli-responsive, intelligent drug release. If successful, the system may significantly advance wound care by minimizing scar formation, accelerating healing, and opening avenues for clinical translation of smart wound dressings.

Wound healing, Electrospining, Drug delivery, Scar prevention, Coaxial fibers