Fabrication and characterization of electrospun silk fibroin/TiO2 nanofibrous mats for wound dressings

Silk fibroin (SF) nanofibrous mats were fabricated via electrospinning process. These fibers were blended with TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). The influence of TiO2 NPs on the nanofibrous matrices was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, and thermogravimetric analysis. The SEM images revealed that the average diameter of the SF/TiO2 fibers was 385 +/- 63?nm when the concentration of SF was up to 10% (w/v). Infrared spectra showed that the beta-sheet structure of the silk fibroin increased after acetone treatment. These SF/TiO2 nanofibrous mats exhibited higher equilibrium water content and water vapor transmission rate than hydrocolloid dressing. The hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility of SF/TiO2 nanofibrous mats were evaluated by complete blood count, cell attachment, and the spreading of L929 fibroblasts. These SF/TiO2 nanofibrous mats exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli under UV irradiation. Thus, these novel nanocomposite mats may be used for biomedical applications such as wound dressing. Copyright (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.