Investigation of biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of electrospun chitosan/ polyethylene oxide -based scaffolds containing propolis extract against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis

Bacterial infections represent a prevalent issue in healthcare settings. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has contributed to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and complicating the treatment of such infections. Based on this, there arises a pressing need for alternative drugs to accelerate the treatment of a diverse array of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria without inducing adverse side effects. In response to this need, we have developed chitosan (CS)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers loaded with propolis extract using the electrospinning technique. We conducted an assessment of the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Chitosan/PEO nanofibers with varying concentrations of propolis against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The nanofibers demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Enterococcus faecalis , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Additionally, according to the results obtained from the Congo red biofilm test, the optimal concentration of propolis in the nanofibrous mats exhibited a substantial antibiofilm effect against S. aureus , S. epidermidis , and E. faecalis . However, P.aeruginosa displayed growth and formed a relatively weak biofilm. The nanofiber scaffolds also demonstrated moderate antibiofilm activity against S. aureus , S. epidermidis , and E. faecalis , while displaying a weaker antibiofilm effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Tissue Culture Plate test. In summary, the biocompatible and antibacterial propolis extract-loaded Chitosan/PEO nanofibrous mats exhibit promising potential as effective wound dressings.