Nanofibrous scaffolds of carboxymethyl guargum potentiated with reduced graphene oxide for in vitro and in vivo wound healing applications.

Nanofiber scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and help in fibroblasts proliferation which is the main constituent for wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the wound healing potential of electrospun nanofibers fabricated by carboxymethyl guargum (CMGG), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polyvinyl alcohol. The nanofibers have shown desired properties like excellent porosity and good water holding capacities. The porosity of nanofibers helps in the movement of oxygen to cells and the removal of waste materials and the swelling capacity helps to maintain the moisture content at the wound site. In addition, the in vitro hemocompatibility and wound healing assay have shown excellent results rendering the nanofibers biocompatible. The in vitro fibroblasts (3T3-L1) proliferation was significantly more in rGO/CMGG/PVA nanofibers than CMGG/PVA and cell control. Further, the in vivo wound healing evaluation of these nanofiber dressings in rabbits has shown significant wound closure compared to control and standard. Histology studies revealed the fast collagen formation and re-epithelialization necessary for wound healing among rGO/CMGG/PVA treated rabbits. Therefore, the rGO/CMGG/PVA nanofiber scaffolds can be potential wound dressing candidates and be further evaluated for clinical use.