Effects of Nonwoven Mats of Di-O-butyrylchitin and Related Polymers on the Process of Wound Healing

Abstract

The aim of the study was to observe the effects of dibutyrylchitin (DBC) on the repair processes and to explain the mechanisms of its action in comparison with other dressing materials made of butyrylchitin (BC), regenerated chitin (RC), and chitosan. The results showed that DBC implanted subcutaneously to the rats increased weight of the granulation tissue. Increased cell number isolated from the wound and cultured on the DBC films was also revealed. The DBC was proved to reduce also the necrotic cells number in the culture. DBC elevates the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) level in the granulation tissue. The total collagen content in the wound was not influenced by all applied dressing materials. However, a low level of the poorly polymerized soluble collagen in the wounds treated with DBC and BC indicated better polymerization of the remaining part of that protein. Both DBC and chitosan increased the weight of granulation tissue. However, chitosan contrary to DBC lowered GAG content and increased water capacity in the wound. The study documents the beneficial influence of DBC on the repair, which could be explained by the modification of the extracellular matrix and cells number. The best effects were observed after application of DBC with [eta] DBC-1 = 1.75 dL/g.