ZnO-TPU/CS Bilayer Nanofibrous Scaffold Accelerates Full-Thickness Skin Defect Healing
Summary: A recent study in *Frontiers in Bioengineering & Biotechnology* describes a bilayer scaffold composed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and chitosan loaded with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO). Tested in full-thickness skin defect animal models, this scaffold achieved >90% wound closure by day 14, outperforming untreated controls. It combines a waterproof outer TPU layer with a bioactive inner layer promoting cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation.
Key Highlights:
- Bilayer design: hydrophobic TPU outer stratum for protection; inner TPU/Chitosan@ZnO hydrophilic layer to encourage healing.
- Physicochemical properties solid: nanofibre diameters ~230 nm, tensile strength ~8.4 MPa, modulus ~18 MPa.
- In vitro tests show enhanced proliferation and adhesion of skin‐derived cells; in vivo tests confirm accelerated wound closure, better collagen deposition, improved vascularization.
- Suggests multifunctional scaffold (protections + bioactivity) can reduce healing times and improve tissue quality. More work needed on molecular mechanisms and safety.
Read full study in *Frontiers in Bioengineering & Biotechnology*
Keywords:
ZnO nanofibrous scaffold,
bilayer design,
TPU chitosan,
skin defect model,
angiogenesis