Bacterial cellulose-based biomaterials on third-degree burns in rats

Abstract

Burns are cutaneous lesions that present high rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In order to innovate the treatment strategies currently applied new biomaterials are being investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of bacterial cellulose in both membrane and gel form, in the treatment of third degree burns in rats. For this, 24 Wistar rats were used, divided into three distinct groups. The lesion was performed with the aid of a soldering iron heated at 150 °C pressed on the back of the animal for 10 seconds. Treatment was performed immediately after wound induction, and skin samples were collected on the tenth day post-injury. Statistical analysis was performed using a significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). The histological results show differences in the healing process presented by each group. The group that received bacterial cellulose in the membrane format presented the best results, such as discrete inflammatory infiltrate and better morphological quality of the tissue, characterizing an advanced stage of the healing process, also proven in the collagen quantitative analysis. On the other hand, the group that received the cellulose gel showed characteristics of an inflammatory phase with the presence of evident ulcerations, which corresponds to a delay in the healing process even when compared to CG alone. Thus, it was concluded that before the biomaterials tested cellulose membrane in the format presented more favorable results both in terms of environmental protection as a contribution to an adequate tissue recovery.