Combined bioactive PVA nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with Zn ascorbate MOFs and Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) extract for enhanced in-vitro and in-vivo wound healing applications.

Abstract

Wounds damage the skin, mucosal membranes, or underlying tissues, disrupting normal structure and function. Natural therapeutic agents, particularly plant extracts, have been widely used in wound management due to their antimicrobial and regenerative properties. Here, we report a novel multifunctional wound dressing by integrating Petroselinum crispum (parsley, PS) extract and zinc ascorbate-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous matrix. The resulting MOF/PS-loaded PVA nanofibers (NFs) combine biodegradability, biocompatibility, and enhanced bioactivity for wound healing. The optimized formulation (PVA/MOF5/PS30-NFs) exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of ~ 250 mm², total phenolic content of 1.41 mg GAE/g, and antioxidant IC₅₀ values of 15.17 and 11.11 mg/3mL at 2 and 24 h, respectively. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed excellent cell viability (> 100%). In-vitro assays demonstrated enhanced fibroblast migration and edge contraction, with substantial wound closure after 48 h. In-vivo studies showed complete (> 100%) wound closure by day 15, surpassing controls (~ 80%), with the fastest healing trajectory and early acceleration phase observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this composition and application. These findings highlight MOF/PS-loaded PVA nanofibrous mats as a promising platform for advanced wound-healing therapies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.