In response to a wound, resident macrophages and those resulting from circulating monocytes play a very important role in orchestrating the healing process, clearing the wound from debris, combating infection and secreting growth factors and cytokines. Membranes and/or scaffolds that induce the polarization of macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype are more likely to lead to a reduced foreign body reaction, limiting fibrotic tissue formation.

Bacterial colonization of wounds is one of the causes of delayed or inhibited healing. Improper and excessive antibiotic use, in particular for prevention purposes, led to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The use of non-antibiotic antimicrobials, such as metallic nanoparticles (NPs), is preferred. However, they are associated with strong toxicity, making their integration into a membrane that can control their release, as well as maintain a moisture environment, highly recommended.

In this work, nanoparticles from silver (AgNPs) and zinc oxide (ZnONPs) were incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes produced using electrospinning. Common antiseptics like povidone-iodine (PVP-I), chlorhexidine (CHX), and octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) were also loaded into PCL membranes.