Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a nanofiber-based dressing capable of local sustained delivery of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) and augmenting human CAMP induction.

Materials & methods

Nanofibrous wound dressings containing 1,25(OH)₂D₃ were successfully prepared by electrospinning, which were examined in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo.

Results

1,25(OH)₂D₃ was successfully loaded into nanofibers with encapsulation efficiency larger than 90%. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ showed a sustained release from nanofibers over 4 weeks. Treatment of U937 and HaCaT cells with 1,25(OH)₂D₃-loaded poly(ϵ-caprolactone) nanofibers significantly induced hCAP18/LL37 expression in monocytes and keratinocytes, skin wounds of humanized transgenic mice and artificial wounds of human skin explants.

Conclusion

1,25(OH)₂D₃ containing nanofibrous dressings could enhance innate immunity by inducing antimicrobial peptide production.