| Resumo : |
Disruptions in the normal healing process can delay tissue repair and favor microbial colonization, conditions that may evolve into chronic wounds. Given these challenges, the development of multifunctional biomaterials capable of preventing infection and enhancing skin regeneration represents a promising strategy in wound management. In this context, this thesis aimed to develop and optimize a multifunctional fibrous platform produced by electrospinning, based on poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL), functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCF), and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil, TTO) essential oil, combined with surface treatment by atmospheric cold plasma (CAP). Initially, cellulose nanocrystals were functionalized with octadecyl isocyanate (ODI) to improve their compatibility with the hydrophobic PCL matrix. Subsequently, electrospun nanofibers containing CNC and CNCF at different concentrations (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 wt%) were produced, and morphological and mechanical analyses provided valuable insight into nanoparticle dispersion and the effects of their incorporation. Fibers containing CNCF exhibited higher elongation, indicating improved stress transfer and phase integration, in addition to enhanced cytocompatibility compared to the cell control, demonstrating the positive influence of functionalization on cell-material interaction. The incorporation of TTO (60 wt%) into PCL/CNCF fibers endowed the materials with functional properties related to antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Biological assays confirmed the cytocompatibility of the samples, although some limitations were observed under direct contact conditions, suggesting the need for further formulation optimization for future in vitro evaluations. Finally, CAP treatment induced significant surface modifications, increasing wettability and altering morphology, which resulted in a 2.5-fold faster TTO release. This modification enhanced the antibacterial performance of the material, particularly in inhibiting the formation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilms. The results demonstrate that the integration of CNCF, TTO, and CAP constitutes a synergistic and promising strategy for developing advanced multifunctional electrospun wound dressings with potential applications in skin tissue regeneration. |