Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun Sodium Alginate–Bacterial Cellulose Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Potential Wound Dressing Application

<p dir="ltr">Traditional wound dressings lack advanced wound-healing functionalities, with added difficulties of frequent replacements. Electrospinning is an exciting avenue for fabricating biomedical dressings with improved performance. This study presents the development of a novel electrospun nanocomposite scaffold composed of sodium alginate (SA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO), crosslinked with calcium ions and subsequently coated with bacterial cellulose (BC) for prospective wound dressing applications. A post-electrospinning dip-coating strategy was employed to preserve the structural integrity of both SA and BC, addressing limitations of traditional BC-polymer composites. SEM analysis revealed uniform, bead-free nanofibers with interconnected porosity, promoting breathability and moisture exchange. FTIR confirmed functional group retention post-coating, while DSC indicated thermal stability above physiological temperatures. Mechanical testing showed a Young's modulus of 1.99 MPa and strain-at-break of 2.27%, comparable to commercial dressings such as Aquacel Extra and Kaltostat. Coating consistency was validated through thickness analysis, with over 92% retention after aqueous immersion. Solubility tests demonstrated hydrolytic responsiveness and coating stability under moist conditions. These results highlight the scaffold's mechanical resilience, structural compatibility, and process scalability. The developed SA/PEO–BC composite presents a promising, cost-effective platform for wound care. Future investigations will explore its biological activity, antibacterial performance, and in vivo efficacy for clinical translation.</p>