Fabrication and Characterization of Bilayer Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polycaprolactone/Glutamine Membranes Integrated With 3D-Printed Polycaprolactone/Propolis Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Applications Publisher

Summary: Can a layered scaffold help wounds heal? Lab tests found a propolis-glutamine dressing improved fibroblast migration and wound closure; patient benefit is unknown. #WoundHealing #Biomaterials

Gharibdosti F A ; Mehdikhani M ; Babaei M ; Poursamar S A ; Mirian M ; Farsaei S ; Rafienia M
Source: Journal of Polymers and the Environment Published:2026

Abstract

This study reports the development of a multifunctional bilayer wound dressing combining a 3D-printed polycaprolactone layer coated with propolis (PCL/PRP) and an electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/polycaprolactone/L-glutamine matrix (PVA/PCL/GLT). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a well-defined bilayer architecture, with porosities of 83.2 ± 1.5% for the electrospun layer and 70.8 ± 2.1% for the printed layer. The scaffold exhibited skin-relevant mechanical behavior, an optimal swelling ratio (16.90 ± 0.52%), favorable wettability (37.39 ± 2.45°), and a controlled degradation, with 20.18 ± 1.99% weight loss after 72 h. Sustained release profiles were obtained for GLT and PRP, reaching 68.09 ± 2.98% and 14.76 ± 1.32%, respectively, over 96 h, while the incorporation of PRP and GLT enhanced antibacterial performance. Fibroblast viability was significantly improved in the 4% GLT formulation, with metabolic activity reaching 124.69 ± 2.37% (MTT assay). SEM micrographs after 7 days confirmed effective cell adhesion and spreading on the scaffold surfaces, with prominent filopodia indicating active cell–material interactions. Furthermore, scratch assay analysis demonstrated superior wound closure for the bilayer scaffold, with 83.25 ± 3.57% closure after 24 h compared to 64.48 ± 2.13% in the control group (P ≤ 0.05), reflecting enhanced fibroblast migration. Overall, the PCL/PRP–PVA/PCL/GLT (4% w/v) bilayer scaffold shows promising physicochemical and biological performance for wound healing applications. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026.