Electrospun PCL/PEG nanofibers incorporatingPlantago lanceolataextract and clove oil for dual-function wound dressings.

In this study, we developed electrospun polycaprolactone/polyethylene glycol (PCL/PEG) nanofibers loaded withPlantago lanceolata(P. lanceolata) extract and clove oil to evaluate their combined potential for wound healing and antibacterial activity. PCL/PEG nanofibers were electrospun and post-loaded withP. lanceolataextract at 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/v), together with 1% (v/v) clove oil. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed a uniform, bead-free nanofibrous structure, with fiber diameters ranging from 768 ± 140 nm to 892 ± 206 nm and pore sizes from 3.93 ± 0.97 µm to 6.20 ± 1.16 µm. The nanofibers exhibited swelling ratios between 103.23 ± 16.42% and 133.93 ± 40.45% within 1 h and showed gradual degradation ranging from 25.92 ± 2.84% to 57.76 ± 0.92% over 21 d, with cumulative extract release approaching a plateau by day 28 under the experimental conditions. The incorporation of plant extract and essential oil initially increased the water contact angle from 15.97 ± 1.07° to 48.61 ± 7.85°, indicating that the nanofiber surface remained hydrophilic; at higher extract contents, the nanofibers transitioned to a superhydrophilic state. Antibacterial activity was primarily governed by clove oil, yielding up to 85.16 ± 0.36% efficacy againstE. coli(E. coli) and 79.90 ± 0.29% againstS. aureus(S. aureus). WhileP. lanceolataextract alone showed limited antibacterial activity, its presence within clove oil-loaded nanofibers consistently enhanced antibacterial performance at the composite level.In vitroscratch assays demonstrated pronounced wound closure at later time points (72-96 h), particularly for nanofibers containing higher extract concentrations, confirming the dominant contribution ofP. lanceolatato the healing response. Overall, the electrospun PCL/PEG nanofibers represent a dual-function wound dressing, with clove oil contributing antibacterial protection andP. lanceolataextract supporting wound healing.