Electrospun Fibroin/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Mats: an Optimization for Potential Wound Dressing Applications

In the present study, an antibacterial nanofibrous wound dressing from a combinatory composition of silk fibroin and graphene oxide (GO) is fabricated, evaluated and optimized. Fibroin was extracted from silkworm cocoons and GO was synthesized from graphite precursor, according to the modified Hummers' method. Later on, different compositions with varying content of GO ranging from 0 to 0.024 % w/w were electrospun and comprehensively evaluated by electron microscopy, mechanical testing, swelling measurement, water vapor transmission, cell culture and antibacterial analysis. SEM micrographs showed a defect-free fibrous morphology with an average fiber diameter in the range of 169-301 nm. Uniaxial tension experiments revealed that with the inclusion of GO to formulation up to 0.016 % w/w GO, tensile properties were improved. Incorporation of hydrophilic GO nanosheets in the fibroin fibers also resulted in improving contact angle, water swelling and water vapor transmittance characteristics with an optimized value of 80 +/- 5.36 +/- 1 % and 80 +/- 2.5 g/m(2)h, respectively. The cell culture study corroborated the appropriate cell proliferation and morphology on the fibroin/GO fibers, particularly with 0.016 % w/w GO content. And finally, antibacterial evaluation of the nanocomposite with optimized GO content confessed the anti-bacterial activity of the prepared dressing.