This study introduces a novel sandwich-structured wound dressing composed of ceftriaxone-loaded oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) integrated within electrospun gelatin (Gel) and polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers to enhance hemostasis, antibacterial activity, and wound healing efficiency. ORC, derived from cotton cellulose, was chemically modified and validated by FTIR and XRD analyses, revealing increased carboxyl content (1637 cm-1), reduced crystallinity, and an 18 % enhancement in hemostatic functionality. Optimized electrospinning conditions produced uniform, bead-free Gel, PLA, and Gel/PLA fibers, as confirmed by SEM images showing continuous fibers with embedded ORC microfibrils in an organized sandwich structure. Contact angle and water absorption studies demonstrated the composites' hydrophilic nature and excellent swelling capacity (1655 %). The water vapor transmission rate (190 g/m2/day) indicated adequate breathability and protection for wound environments. Mechanical testing revealed significant improvements in tensile strength (~3.2 MPa) and modulus (~32 MPa), maintaining flexibility favorable for wound applications. Drug release evaluation followed Fickian diffusion behavior, fitting the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R2 = 0.97), ensuring controlled and sustained ceftriaxone release. Antibacterial tests showed strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (96 %) and Escherichia coli (85 %). Overall, the ceftriaxone-embedded Gel/PLA nanofibrous composite demonstrated high biocompatibility (>90 %) and multifunctional performance. By integrating effective hemostasis, sustained antibacterial delivery, and structural support for tissue regeneration, this advanced wound dressing offers a promising approach for accelerating wound healing and preventing infection in biomedical applications.
Keywords: Ceftriaxone (Cef); Gelatin (gel); Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC); Polylactic acid (PLA); Wound dressing.
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