Effects of a polysaccharide nanogel-crosslinked membrane on wound healing.

Abstract

Wound-dressing materials that promote wound healing while protecting wounds from infections are advantageous for clinical applications. Hence, we developed a cholesterol-bearing pullulan (CHP) nanogel that stimulated wound healing; however, it was mechanically weak and difficult to handle. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine precisely the effects of a mechanically reinforced nanogel-crosslinked (NanoClik) membrane on wound healing. NanoClik was prepared by mixing a thiol-terminated polyethylene glycol solution and an acryloyl group-modified CHP nanogel solution. A thin silicone sheet membrane, which was combined with NanoClik, was prepared. The NanoClick membranes and both positive and negative control membranes (collagen combined with silicone membrane and silicone membrane alone, respectively) were tested in vivo using a dorsal skin defect rat model. The rate and extent of wound healing was compared between groups after 7 and 14 days of implantation. In the NanoClik membrane group, the wound area was significantly reduced and neoepithelialization was promoted, compared with that observed in the other groups. In addition, extension and accumulation of collagen fibers were evident in the NanoClik membrane group. The NanoClik membrane is a strong candidate for use as an effective and safe wound-dressing material. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 544-550, 2017.