Abstract
Aims: Natural biomaterials are more suitable than synthetic biomaterials for in vivo applications for treating damaged tissues. Collagen and chitosan are abundantly available natural biomaterials for wound dressings for tissue/wound repair. In this context, collagen-chitosan composite powder has been used to treat chronic wounds in Hansen disease (HD) patients.
 Place and Duration of Study: CSIR Central Leather Research Institute, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600021, Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital, Constable Road, Ayanavaram, Chennai 600023, and Gremaltes Hospital, India between June 2013 and July 2020.
 Methodology: Collagen extracted from bovine rumen, a waste product of meat industry, and a commercially available chitosan were prepared as a composite powder (COL/CS) and applied to chronic wounds in HD patients after debridement and the wound contours were measured by planimetry. Biochemical parameters in blood samples were periodically assessed. Histopathology of wound tissue with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining was studied. Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) levels before and after treatment were estimated.
 Results: Wound healing of 64.2% was obtained with COL/CS treatment and formation of granulation cells was observed early. Hemogram studies have been reported in a regression model with 95% confidence intervals. Histopathology revealed dense collagen fibres and continuity of sub-epithelial layer on 8th day. MMP-9 levels showed collagen integrity after treatment.
 Conclusion: The novel biocompatible, biodegradable COL/CS wound dressing is a promising biomaterial for management of chronic wounds in Hansen disease patients.
Highlights
With the advent of tissue engineering and regeneration over the past three decades, the use of biomaterials and natural tissue-like implants have gained immense significance for several kinds of biomedical applications
Hansen’s disease (HD), renamed from leprosy, requires particular attention in the treatment of wounds due to impairment of wound healing process leading to chronic wounds which can further result in severe ulceration and an uncoordinated healing process
We have studied the effect of a collagen-chitosan powder as wound dressing in the management of chronic wounds in Hansen disease (HD) patients
Summary
With the advent of tissue engineering and regeneration over the past three decades, the use of biomaterials and natural tissue-like implants have gained immense significance for several kinds of biomedical applications. Biomaterials, natural and synthetic, have been synthesized or processed, either as a single biomaterial or a composite of two or more biomaterials for applications in wound healing, surgical implants, bone regeneration, tissue reorganization by matrix formation, tissue engineering and therapeutic delivery. Researchers have attempted to construct a variety of materials in constituting substitutes for damaged, diseased or injured portions of the body. Materials such as synthetic polymers, natural macromolecules, ceramics and metals have been used as implants and grafts. There is a constant need for development of various biomaterials with beneficial characteristics suitable for specific kinds of applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
