Chitosan Nanoparticle-Loaded Essential Oils Electrosprayed onto Polycaprolactone Microfibers: A Novel Antifungal Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a significant healthcare challenge due to their susceptibility to fungal infections, which can exacerbate the already compromised healing process and limit treatment strategies. Here, we present a novel approach based on chitosan (Ch) nanoparticles loaded with commercial essential oils (EOs; citral, geraniol and cinnamaldehyde) and electrosprayed onto polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun microfibers. The combination of chitosan, known for its antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility, with EOs possessing potent antifungal activity, offers a promising strategy for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The electrospraying technique facilitates the uniform distribution of Ch nanoparticle-embedded EOs onto PCL microfibers, ensuring controlled release and prolonged retention at the wound site. Chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized using a specific 2.5:1 ratio of Ch-Sodium triphosphate (TPP) and Tween 80 as a surfactant, and loaded with the EOs known for their potent antifungal properties. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were dispersed onto PCL fibers using the electrospraying technique. The resulting composite material exhibited excellent antifungal efficacy against common fungal pathogens implicated in DFUs, namely Candida spp. Moreover, the synergistic effect of Ch, EOs, and PCL provided sustained release of the bioactive compounds, prolonging the antifungal effect. Data confirmed this innovative approach as a promising strategy for combating fungal infections in DFUs, potentially improving clinical outcomes and quality of life in diabetic patients.