Abstract:

This dissertation project embarks on a journey to contribute to the field of wound care by developing
and refining a cutting-edge dual-action antimicrobial skin patch. Utilizing electrospinning techniques,
the primary objective is to create a patch that not only provides robust antimicrobial protection against
clinically significant bacteria but also integrates plant-based substances to modulate the immune
response, fostering efficient and accelerated critical wound healing. The selected polymers for this
innovative patch are Polylactic acid (PLA) and Chitosan, chosen for their favourable physicochemical
properties that make them ideal candidates for this specialized application.

The initial phase involves the intricate task of formulating a PLA/Chitosan solution for electrospinning.
The focus is on optimizing process parameters to yield a mesh characterized by nanofibers and
nanopores. Rigorous examination of the electro spun mesh includes detailed SEM analysis of its
morphology, complemented by FTIR to unravel its chemical composition. Mechanical properties such
as tensile strength and resistance to hydrolytic degradation in a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS)
undergo thorough evaluation.

Upon achieving the desired microstructure, the research progresses to a pivotal stage: the incorporation
of plant-based antimicrobial/immunomodulatory substances. The initial focus is on thymol, with a deep
dive into studying its release profile from the combined mesh and hydrogel patch. The precision of
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) aids in the analysis, and the patch's antimicrobial
potential undergoes comprehensive assessment against key bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus,
Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This evaluation encompasses viable count,
biofilm biomass measurement through confocal laser scanning microscopy, and biofilm morphology
analysis using SEM.

The research endeavours extend to working with a chitosan/fibrin hydrogel, a component already fully
characterized. This hydrogel is strategically applied onto the fibrous mesh, culminating in the creation
of a comprehensive wound care device. A critical aspect of the study involves exploring the absorption
capacity of the chitosan/fibrin hydrogel, considering the often more viscous and heterogeneous nature
of wound exudate compared to water.

To ensure the patch meets the desired specifications, responsibilities encompass optimizing the
electrospinning process, demonstrating the physicochemical properties of the patch both before and
after incorporating thymol and other substances at varying concentrations, and studying the absorption
properties of the chitosan/fibrin hydrogel. The final step involves assembling the patch and hydrogel
into a unified wound care device, concluding with a comprehensive microbiology assessment at every
stage, utilizing clinically relevant bacteria such as MRSA and P. aeruginosa.