Electrospun scaffolds loaded with Stryphnodendron adstringens extract and Melaleuca alternifolia oil

Electrospun PCL-based scaffolds have been proposed for wound healing. However, to deal with bacterial infections, the incorporation of natural compounds into the PCL matrix could be a promising alternative. Stryphnodendron adstringens (Barbatimão) extract and Melaleuca alternifolia (Melaleuca) oil are known due to their antibacterial, antifungical, and anti-inflammatory properties, interesting for healing applications. This paper proposed the development of electrospun PCL scaffolds containing a combination of barbatimão and melaleuca compounds. The obtained samples were 20B/80M and 80B/20M, in which B refers to Barbatimão and M for Melaleuca. The samples were characterized via X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, tensile test, contact angle analysis, optical microscopy, and cytotoxicity. The incorporation of the natural compounds did not alter the structure of PCL and higher concentration of Barbatimão indicated an enhancement in antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, with reduction of 33.3% on biofilm formation. Hence, the proposed scaffolds could be promising material for wound healing applications.

Keywords:
barbatimão extract; melaleuca oil; poly-ε-caprolactone; scaffolds