Abstract

This study reports the development of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers loaded with bioactive extracts of Gunnera tinctoria and Buddleja globosa for potential applications in wound healing. Plant extracts were obtained using green extraction methods (aqueous and hydroalcoholic) and characterized via FTIR, HPLC, and antioxidant assays. The G. tinctoria extract exhibited the highest total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, correlating with enhanced biological performance in fiber formulations. Among the formulations evaluated, the formulation composed of 1 mg/mL of G. tinctoria and B. globosa extracts incorporated into a 14 % (w/v) PCL matrix (referred to as formulation P4) demonstrated the most favorable combination of morphological uniformity, cytocompatibility, and antifungal activity. FTIR analysis of the fibers confirmed characteristic PCL signals, while signals corresponding to the encapsulated extracts were not clearly distinguishable, likely due to their internal incorporation within the polymer matrix. In vitro antimicrobial assays did not display antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nonetheless, a significant antifungal effect was observed in P4 against Candida albicans of log reduction 4.1, thus being classified as a moderate disinfectant. Cell viability assays using 3T3-L1 fibroblasts showed excellent biocompatibility for extract-loaded fibers, particularly those containing G. tinctoria, with P4 maintaining high viability after 72 h. These findings support the potential of bioactive PCL fibers as advanced wound dressing materials. Further studies are recommended to optimize extract loading, evaluate controlled release profiles, and validate efficacy in in vivo wound healing models.