Mussel-inspired electrospun nanofibers functionalized with size-controlled silver nanoparticles for wound dressing application

Electrospun nanofibers that contain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a strong antibacterial activity that is beneficial to wound healing. However, most of the literature available on the bactericidal effects of this material is based on the use of AgNPs with uncontrolled size, shape, surface properties, and degree of aggregation. In this study, we report the first versatile synthesis of novel catechol moieties presenting electrospun nanofibers functionalized with AgNPs through catechol redox chemistry. The synthetic strategy allows control of the size and amount of AgNPs on the surface of nanofibers with the minimum degree of aggregation. We also evaluated the rate of release of the AgNPs, the biocompatibility of the nanofibers, the antibacterial activity in vitro, and the wound healing capacity in vivo. Our results suggest that these silver-releasing nanofibers have great potential for use in wound healing applications.