Arginine Functionalized Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers Containing Gel as an Effective Wound Dressing: In vitro and In vivo Evaluation.

Abstract

Nanofibers such as bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BC-NFs) have gained increasing attention for use in wound dressings. Topical application of arginine can stimulate wound healing significantly. In order to promote the wound healing process, arginine functionalized BC-NFs containing gel (Arg-BC-NFs gel) was prepared by the electrostatic attachment of arginine on the surface of BCNFs. The effect of pH was evaluated on the amount of the attached arginine on the BC-NFs surface. The attachment of arginine on BC-NFs surface was investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. The morphology of Arg-BC-NFs was evaluated using FESEM. The viscosity and spreadability of Arg-BC-NFs and the release of arginine from Arg-BC-NFs were evaluated. The effectiveness of Arg-BC-NFs gel was assessed in a full thickness wound model in rats. Re-epithelization, collagen deposition and neovascularization were investigated in the wound tissues using histological and immunohistochemical analysis. FTIR spectra and the zeta potential of BC-NFs confirmed the surface modification of BC-NFs by arginine. FESEM images showed the nanofibrous structure of Arg-BC-NFs. The release of arginine from Arg-BC-NFs gel was in a sustained release manner for 24 h. The appropriate viscosity and spreadability of Arg-BC-NFs gel confirmed its easy topical application. In vivo studies revealed that Arg-BCNFs gel promoted wound closure at a faster rate than BC-NFs gel and arginine solution. Moreover, faster and more organized re-epithelialization, angiogenesis and collagen deposition were achieved in Arg-BC-NFs gel treated group in comparison to other groups. Arg-BC-NFs gel can be introduced as an effective wound dressing for acute wounds.