Chronic skin wounds represent a major challenge in healthcare, necessitating the development of advanced biomaterials capable of promoting healing while maintaining structural integrity. In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibrous mats were produced via electrospinning and loaded with a commercial extract of Ricinus communis (castor seed oil) as a potential dressing material. The process was performed in two phases: first, the optimal electrospinning parameters (voltage and flow rate) were selected by means of an analysis of variance (ANOVA); subsequently, the castor oil extract was incorporated into the PLA solution. Morphological and chemical analyses were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The wettability and absorption capacity were evaluated through contact angle measurements and swelling tests. The incorporation of castor oil increased swelling by 60% without affecting the contact angle (132°), indicating reductions in hydrophobicity without compromising surface characteristics. Additionally, the presence of excipients in the commercial extract affected the thermal behavior and crystallinity of the PLA. These findings highlight the potential of electrospun PLA mats containing Ricinus communis extract as functional wound dressing materials, combining biocompatibility, structural performance, and tunable physical properties for chronic wound management.
Anaya‐Mancipe et al. (Wed,) studied this question.