ZnO-enhanced PVA/HPMC electrospun fibers as multifunctional wound dressing materials

Electrospun fibers are highly promising for wound dressings due to their high surface area, porosity, and capacity to carry bioactive agents. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite fibrous mats were developed for wound healing applications. ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via a solution combustion method were successfully incorporated into the polymer matrix and electrospun onto nonwoven fiber paper. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed ZnO integration and enhanced polymer-nanoparticle interactions. Atomic force microscopy revealed increased surface roughness, while scanning electron microscopy confirmed that ZnO incorporation maintained uniform, bead-free fibers with only a slight increase in average fiber diameter, suggesting improved interactions with wound exudates and bacteria. Mechanical testing revealed substantial enhancements: tensile strength increased from 3.93 ± 0.23 MPa to 10.15 ± 1.02 MPa, Young’s modulus increased from 0.97 ± 0.18 MPa to 1.91 ± 0.33 MPa, and elongation at break increased from 10.60% to 18.85%, indicating improved flexibility and toughness. The contact angle ranged from 18.22° to 43.15°, showing balanced hydrophilicity, while the swelling ratio increased from 22.14 ± 3.27% to 78.82 ± 1.55%, supporting effective exudate absorption. Antibacterial activity was enhanced, with inhibition zones expanding from 9.00 ± 1.27 mm to 13.00 ± 0.79 mm for E. coli and from 13.75 ± 0.65 mm to 17.88 ± 0.25 mm for S. aureus. These findings demonstrate that PVA/HPMC/ ZnO nanocomposite fibrous mats combine enhanced mechanical strength, moisture management, and antibacterial performance, highlighting their strong potential for advanced wound dressing applications.