Summary
Combining nanofibers with an antimicrobial is a powerful approach for treating local infections, because the fibrous mat can stick to and stay at the site of application while releasing the drug. This study develops biocompatible, biodegradable chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) nanofibers loaded with the antimicrobial metronidazole, produced by environmentally friendly electrospinning of aqueous polymer solutions. Chitosan contributes antibacterial action, biodegradability, and strong bioadhesion — favouring retention at the target site — while PEO enables spinnability. A key point the authors raise is that local infection sites offer only a small fluid volume for drug release, unlike standard pharmacopoeial dissolution tests with large receptor volumes; they therefore argue for release-testing methods that better mimic in-vivo conditions. The nanofibers are characterised for their morphology, drug loading and release behaviour, showing high potential as a bioadhesive local delivery platform.