Antimicrobial and wound healing activities of electrospun nanofibers based on functionalized carbohydrates and proteins

The anti-adhesion, anti-growth and the anti-penetration of bacteria, specifically multidrug-resistant bacteria, should be taken into consideration when designing promising wound dressings for infected wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers. Wound dressings composed of natural polymeric nanofibers such as functionalized cellulose, chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, dextrin and cyclodextrin with appropriate antimicrobial and skin reconstruction properties are suitable alternatives that can accelerate wound healing and remove microbial infections. For instance, to improve the release profile of antibacterial agents such as metal nanoparticles and antibiotics, water-soluble polymers like polyethylene oxide and polyvinylpyrrolidone may be incorporated into polymeric nanofiber scaffolds. This review, therefore, addresses the current status and future challenges of antibacterial activities of nanofiber scaffolds composed of some of the natural occurring polymers.