Innovative Fibrous Materials Loaded with 5-Nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline via Electrospinning/Electrospraying Demonstrate Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities

A new type of fibrous mat based on a cellulose derivative-cellulose acetate (CA) or CA and water-soluble polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP or poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA)-loaded with the model drug 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline (5N) was fabricated via electrospinning or electrospinning in conjunction with electrospraying. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle measurements and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) were used for the complex characterization of the obtained novel material. The decoration of CA fibers with a water-soluble polymer containing the drug resulted in the facilitation of wetting and fast drug release. The 5N-containing fibrous material showed antioxidant activity. Moreover, the proposed materials' antibacterial and antifungal properties were tested against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Well-distinguished, sterile zones with diameters above 3.5 cm were observed around all 5N-containing mats. The mats' cytotoxicity toward HeLa carcinoma cells and normal mouse BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts was assessed. The 5N-in-CA, PVP,5N-on-(5N-in-CA) and PVA,5N-on-(5N-in-CA) fibrous mats possessed anticancer efficacies and much lower levels of toxicity against normal cells. Therefore, the as-created novel electrospun materials, which are based on polymers loaded with the drug 5N via electrospinning/electrospraying, can potentially be applied for topical wound healing and for local cancer therapy.

Automated summary

A new fibrous mat loaded with the model drug 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline was fabricated by electrospinning or electrospinning in conjunction with electrospraying. The material showed antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, as well as anticancer efficacy with low toxicity against normal cells. Therefore, it has potential applications in topical wound healing and local cancer therapy.