Biophysico-chemical interfacial attributes of Fe3O4 decorated MWCNT nanohybrid/bio-based hyperbranched polyurethane nanocomposite: an antibacterial wound healing material with controlled drug release potential

Design of an efficient antibacterial wound healing material with biocompatibility and aptitude for controlled drug release is a primary goal in healthcare research. Therefore this study reports a nanocomposite based on an eco-friendly hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU) and in situ prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticle decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanohybrid as a novel wound healing material. The decoration of MWCNTs by Fe3O4 nanoparticles, excellent dispersion of the nanohybrid and interfacial interaction with HBPU were confirmed by FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM studies. The dressing patch of the HBPU nanohybrid nanocomposite (NNC) showed excellent in vivo wound healing potency in albino mice with an enhanced wound closure rate. Comparative studies in terms of drug (gentamicin sulfate) loading efficacy, antibacterial activity, mechanical performance, fluid handling capacity and moisture vapor permeability for NNC, HBPU, Fe3O4 HBPU nanocomposite and carboxyl functionalized MWCNT-HBPU nanocomposite were performed. NNC showed the best performance along with good hemocompatibility and non-immunogenic attributes. Thus, this study examined the vital role of structural variation and surface properties of such materials at the bio-interface. In addition, NNC showed excellent control over the drug release profile for a period of >72 h. Thus, NNC holds strong potential as an antibacterial wound healing material with controlled drug release potential.