Multiple-layer mesh from electrospinnable amyloid‑like protein and their application in treating oral ulcer

Abstract

Oral ulcers significantly impair quality of life due to prolonged severe pain caused by delayed healing. The moist, dynamic, microorganism‑rich environment hinders natural scab formation and ordinary patch adhesion, limiting therapeutic outcomes. Inspired by bioadhesion, we propose an unfolding‑stabilization strategy to overcome globular protein electrospinning limitations and construct a multifunctional patch. Water triggers a conformational transition to an amyloid‑like β‑sheet interface that disrupts the hydration layer for initial wet adhesion, while Carbomer-mucin interactions further enhance retention. This synergy gives adhesion strength 6-50 times that of commercial products, enabling sustained attachment in complex oral environments for effective ulcer protection. Glycyrrhetinic acid provides local antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory effects. In a rat model, the patch improves healing by 75% over the best commercial control. It also matches the mucosal modulus, while being steroid‑free, biodegradable, and biocompatible. By integrating electrospinning with amyloid‑mediated adhesion, this work offers a scalable strategy for engineering multifunctional wet biointerfaces.