The development of biomaterials for wound healing applications requires providing a number of properties, such as antimicrobial action, facilitation of cell proliferation, biocompatibility and biodegradability. The aim of the present study was to investigate morphological and mechanical properties of zein-based microfibers, ultimately aimed at creating an environment suitable for wound healing. This was achieved through co-axial electrospinning of core-shell microfibers, with zein protein in the core and polyethylene oxide (PEO) in the shell. Small amounts of PEO or stearic acid were additionally incorporated into the fiber core to modify the morphology and mechanical properties of zein fibers. The presence of PEO in the core was found to be essential for the formation of tubular fibers, whereas PEO in the shell enhanced the stability of the microfibers in water and ensured high elasticity of the microfiber mats. Tetracycline hydrochloride was present in an amorphous form within the fibers, and displayed a burst release as a result of pore-formation in the fibers. The developed systems exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and showed no cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts. Biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity and favorable morphological and mechanical properties make the developed zein-based microfibers a potential biomaterial for wound healing purposes.

中文翻译：

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高弹性和水稳定性玉米蛋白微纤维作为伤口愈合的潜在药物输送系统。


用于伤口愈合应用的生物材料的开发需要提供许多特性，例如抗菌作用、促进细胞增殖、生物相容性和生物可降解性。本研究的目的是研究玉米醇溶蛋白基微纤维的形态和机械特性，最终旨在创造适合伤口愈合的环境。这是通过核壳微纤维的同轴静电纺丝实现的，其中玉米醇溶蛋白位于核中，聚环氧乙烷（PEO）位于壳中。纤维芯中另外掺入少量 PEO 或硬脂酸，以改变玉米蛋白纤维的形态和机械性能。研究发现，芯中 PEO 的存在对于管状纤维的形成至关重要，而壳中 PEO 增强了微纤维在水中的稳定性，并确保了微纤维垫的高弹性。盐酸四环素以无定形形式存在于纤维内，并且由于纤维中形成孔而表现出爆发释放。开发的系统对金黄色葡萄球菌和大肠杆菌表现出抗菌活性，并且对成纤维细胞没有细胞毒性作用。生物相容性、抗菌活性以及良好的形态和机械性能使开发的玉米醇溶蛋白基微纤维成为用于伤口愈合的潜在生物材料。