Protein-Based Electrospun Nanofibers Doped with Selenium Nanoparticles for Wound Repair

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The design of scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix has gained increasing attention in regenerative medicine. This study aims to develop and characterize electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds based on pullulan blended with either gelatin or gliadin and doped with selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs), to assess the influence of protein type and Se NP doping on scaffold performance and regenerative potential. Methods: Se NPs were synthesized via redox reaction and stabilized using pullulan. Electrospun scaffolds were then prepared by blending pullulan-stabilized Se NPs with either gelatin or gliadin. The resulting fibers were characterized using a multidisciplinary approach, including physicochemical (morphology, fiber dimension, swelling capacity, surface zeta potential, mechanical properties) and preclinical properties (antioxidant properties, fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, collagen expression). Results: Protein type influenced fiber morphology and dimensions, as well as mechanical behavior, with gelatin-based scaffolds demonstrating smaller fiber diameters and higher mechanical properties. The doping with Se NPs enhanced scaffold antioxidant properties without affecting fiber formation. Moreover, all scaffolds supported fibroblast proliferation, but those containing Se NPs showed enhanced modulation of ECM gene expression. Conclusions: The results show that scaffolds doped with Se NPs exhibited superior performance compared to the undoped counterparts, offering promising platforms for chronic wound reparation.