Abstract
This study focused on the characterization of Manuka honey-containing poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofiber scaffolds with regards to wound healing. Scaffolds were electrospun from 1, 5, 10, and 20% v/v Manuka honey solutions. Scaffolds were subjected to ethanol disinfection and soaked in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for various timepoints, and scaffold morphology and honey release was quantified. Scaffolds showed increased water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) with scaffold soak time, indicating an increase in evaporation due to enhanced osmotic potential of the scaffolds. Mechanical testing indicated lower elasticity and strength with honey incorporation, but showed no significant change in material degradation rate with the presence of honey over a 28 day PBS soak. Fibroblast studies showed honey incorporation increased cell infiltration into the scaffold, but scaffold conditioned media did not induce significant chemotaxis towards the scaffold. Honey incorporation also demonstrated an increase in fibroblast proliferation when in direct contact with the scaffolds. Bacterial clearance from pure honey was observed in both Gram positive Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptocococcus) and Gram negative Escherichia coli (E. coli), but honey scaffolds demonstrated significant clearance in only the Gram negative E. coli. While further investigation is needed, this preliminary study demonstrates the wound-healing potential of Manuka honey-loaded electrospun scaffolds.