Electrospun PVA Scaffolds Containing MCM ‐41/ CNC Nanocomposites for Controlled Drug Release in W

ABSTRACT

Electrospun PVA scaffolds containing diclofenac‐loaded Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM‐41)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) nanocomposites were developed as wound dressing platforms. Initially, CNC extracted from Buriti petioles were combined with MCM‐41 to form a hybrid nanocomposite, which was subsequently loaded with diclofenac. CNC incorporation preserved the mesoporous organization of MCM‐41 while reducing the BET surface area from 868 to 582 m ² .g ⁻¹ , suggesting decreased accessibility of the mesoporous channels, possibly due to CNC association with the external surface of MCM‐41 particles and partial blocking of pore entrances. The MCM‐41/CNC–Dcf nanocomposite exhibited a drug loading efficiency of 20.23% ± 4.63% and a drug loading content of 107.00 ± 12.11 mg·g ⁻¹ . When incorporated into the PVA matrix, increasing MCM‐41/CNC–Dcf content altered scaffold microstructure, reducing fiber diameter and modifying mechanical and swelling behavior. Among the investigated formulations, the scaffold containing 0.10% (w/v) MCM‐41/CNC–Dcf exhibited the highest elongation at break and the most suitable combination of morphological, mechanical, and swelling properties. This formulation showed a slower diclofenac release profile and reduced the burst release observed for the MCM‐41–Dcf scaffold. Kinetic modeling indicated predominantly Fickian diffusion, with the Korsmeyer–Peppas model providing the best fit. In addition, in vitro assays indicated no significant cytotoxic effects for CNC, the MCM‐41/CNC nanocomposite, or the electrospun scaffold, with all systems maintaining cell viability above 80%. Overall, the results demonstrate that combining mesoporous silica and CNC provides an effective strategy to modulate the physicochemical properties and release profile of electrospun PVA scaffolds.