Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticle‐Embedded Electrospun Mat as an Antibacterial Wound Dressing

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ABSTRACT Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles offer a promising controlled drug delivery platform. In this study, amoxicillin (AMOX)‐imprinted polymer nanoparticles (~60 nm) were synthesized via emulsion polymerization and incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (SA) [PVS] electrospun nanofibers to develop a novel wound dressing. The nanoparticle‐embedded PVS nanofibers (PVS‐AMOX‐MIP) demonstrated a sustained cumulative drug release of 43.6% over 2 days, governed by non‐Fickian transport per the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model. The nanofibers exhibited favorable physical properties, including a high specific surface area (39.66 m 2 /g), optimal porosity (78.8%), and a water vapor transmission rate (1053.4 ± 5.9 g/m 2 /day), ideal for wound healing. Antibacterial activity studies showed significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , while biocompatibility assays confirmed the mat's noncytotoxic nature and ability to promote cell proliferation. Furthermore, angiogenesis studies revealed enhanced vascularization, which is critical for tissue regeneration. The developed strategy offers a unique approach for advanced wound care and controlled drug delivery applications by combining MIP nanoparticles' molecular recognition capability with the structural advantages of electrospun nanofibers.