Cellulose acetate nanofibers loaded with crude annatto extract: Preparation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation for potential wound healing applications

In this study we prepared annatto-loaded cellulose acetate nanofiber scaffolds and evaluated both in vitro cytotoxicity and potential for wound healing in a rat model. Annatto extract, which has been used to accelerate wound healing, was added to cellulose acetate polymer and the resulting material was used to produce nanofiber scaffolds via electrospinning. Physicochemical, and thermal evaluation of the resulting nanofiber mats showed that incorporating annatto did not significantly affect the thermal or chemical stability of the polymer. Annatto extract did not demonstrate cytotoxicity in the HET-CAM assay or MTT assay for fibroblast culture. Scanning electron microscopy of the fibroblasts confirmed that cells spread and penetrated into the nanofiber. In vivo experiments confirmed that cellulose acetate retained its biocompatibility when associated with crude annatto extract, and suggested that dose/response modulation occurs between the annatto-functionalized nanofibers and mast cells, indicating the potential of this material for wound healing applications. •Crude annatto extract loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers with properties ideal for potential wound healing applications;•Annatto loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers have promoted fibroblast cellular proliferation;•The fibroblasts cells attached, spread, and penetrate into the nanofibers scaffolds after 48 hours,•The bioactive molecules present in the nanofibers seem to modulate the inflammatory process in vivo.