Electrospun PCL/PEG Nanofibers Incorporating Plantago Lanceolata Extract and Clove Oil for Dual-Function Wound Dressings

Abstract

In this study, we developed electrospun polycaprolactone/polyethylene glycol (PCL/PEG) nanofibers loaded with Plantago lanceolata (P. lanceolata) extract and clove oil to evaluate their combined potential for wound healing and antibacterial activity. PCL/PEG nanofibers were electrospun and post-loaded with P. lanceolata extract at 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/v), together with 1% (v/v) clove oil. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed a uniform, bead-free nanofibrous structure, with fiber diameters ranging from 768 +/- 140 nm to 892 +/- 206 nm and pore sizes from 3.93 +/- 0.97 & micro;m to 6.20 +/- 1.16 & micro;m. The nanofibers exhibited swelling ratios between 103.23 +/- 16.42% and 133.93 +/- 40.45% within 1 h and showed gradual degradation ranging from 25.92 +/- 2.84% to 57.76 +/- 0.92% over 21 d, with cumulative extract release approaching a plateau by day 28 under the experimental conditions. The incorporation of plant extract and essential oil initially increased the water contact angle from 15.97 +/- 1.07 degrees to 48.61 +/- 7.85 degrees, indicating that the nanofiber surface remained hydrophilic; at higher extract contents, the nanofibers transitioned to a superhydrophilic state. Antibacterial activity was primarily governed by clove oil, yielding up to 85.16 +/- 0.36% efficacy against E. coli (E. coli) and 79.90 +/- 0.29% against S. aureus (S. aureus). While P. lanceolata extract alone showed limited antibacterial activity, its presence within clove oil-loaded nanofibers consistently enhanced antibacterial performance at the composite level. In vitro scratch assays demonstrated pronounced wound closure at later time points (72-96 h), particularly for nanofibers containing higher extract concentrations, confirming the dominant contribution of P. lanceolata to the healing response. Overall, the electrospun PCL/PEG nanofibers represent a dual-function wound dressing, with clove oil contributing antibacterial protection and P. lanceolata extract supporting wound healing.