This review is concerned with chronic wounds, with an emphasis on biofilm and its complicated management process. The basics of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) and its underlying mechanisms for microbial eradication are presented. Intrinsically active nanocarriers (polydopamine NPs, chitosan NPs, and polymeric micelles) that can further potentiate the antimicrobial photodynamic effect are discussed. This review also delves into the role of photoactive electrospun nanofibers, either in their eluting or non-eluting mode of action, in microbial eradication and accelerating the healing of wounds. Synergic strategies to augment the PDT-mediated effect of photoactive nanofibers are reviewed.

Wound infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria present a substantial challenge in healthcare. Nanofibers, particularly when infused with natural extracts, are emerging as promising platforms for antimicrobial applications. This study investigates the potential of Anastatica hierochuntica extract-loaded electrospun nanofibers prepared with thermoplastic polyurethane for combating infections and promoting wound healing. Electrospinning was utilized to prepare nanofibers infused with Anastatica hierochuntica extract, resulting in uniform rod-shaped structures confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The hydrophilicity of the nanofibers was assessed through water contact angle (WCA) measurements and swelling tests. Mechanical properties, including strain and stress were evaluated to determine suitability for drug delivery. The formulation with optimal properties, designated as NF20, underwent further investigation. Drug release profiles were analyzed over 72 h, and antimicrobial efficacy was tested against various pathogens, with comparisons made to Silymarin as a standard. A biofilm study evaluated the anti-virulence activity, while wound healing assays assessed the optimized extract loaded nanofibers potential in fostering tissue repair. The extract-loaded nanofibers exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity, with a WCA of 43.1 ± 0.6° and swelling of 216.67 ± 2.36% after 1 h. NF20 demonstrated superior mechanical properties, with strain and stress values of 67.6% and 0.0486 N/mm², respectively. The sustained release profile indicated 73.40 ± 1.31% release after 72 h. Antimicrobial tests revealed significant reductions in minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration against key pathogens. The biofilm study confirmed extract loaded nanofiber’s efficacy in inhibiting biofilm formation and disrupting established biofilms. These findings underscore the potential of the extract-loaded nanofiber composed of thermoplastic polyurethane as innovative wound dressings that enhance antimicrobial properties, promote accelerated healing and support tissue regeneration. Graphical Abstract

Natural components are sparking a lot of interest in the field of drug formulation and delivery. Anastatica hierochuntica is a small plant, extremely rich in its phytochemical content including flavonoids, phenolics, and several minerals. For that, it is widely used in folk medicine in a plethora of conditions such as headache, asthma, menstrual pain, and childbirth. The aim of this research is to investigate its potential antimicrobial effects when loaded onto nanofiber as field leading. The extract-loaded nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning. The prepared nanofibers were rod-shaped with nanometric size as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The loaded NFs showed increased hydrophilicity compared to the plain NFs as evidenced by reduced WCA and increased percent water uptake. Further, they exhibited adequate tensile properties compared to the plain NFs as evidenced by increased strain and stress. Based on the highest hydrophilicity (WCA 43.1±0.6º and % swelling 216.67±2.36% after 1 h) and the best mechanical properties (strain and stress of 67.6% and 0.0486 N/mm2, respectively), NF20 was selected for further investigations. The selected formulation (NF20) showed a bi-phasic, sustained drug release pattern (73.40±1.31% after 72 h). More importantly, testing the antimicrobial effects of the extract-loaded nanofibers highlighted significant reduction in MIC, MBC, and MFC values when compared with Silymarin standard against Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus niger. Finally, wound healing assay confirmed the accelerated wound closure and fibroblasts migration in case of the fabricated NF20, suggesting the potential of the bio- fabricated nanofiber as a novel promising wound dressing.