Lyophilized biocomposite chitin-alginate matrices for wound healing application

Abstract

BackgroundWound management is a significant part of the health care segment with an ever-increasing patient base. The field of wound dressings has evolved over the time from using natural materials that only provided protection to the wounds to advanced wound dressings that also aid in healing process in addition to providing protection. The use of lyophilized non-woven composite dressings is an appealing prospect in the field of wound dressings. MethodsNano chitin was prepared using a combination of acid hydrolysis and ultrasonication. Wound healing matrices were fabricated from nano chitin – sodium alginate composite mixtures (2:1) using lyophilization technique. Glycerol was incorporated as plasticizer. Surface topography of the dressings was observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy and texture was analyzed by optical profilometry. The dressings were assessed for their wound healing potential on excision wound model in rats. The healing was assessed by measuring percentage wound contraction, histopathological studies and hydroxyproline content in the healed tissue. ResultsThe resulting dressings were soft with a highly porous morphology as observed in the SEM photomicrographs. The percentage wound contraction for wounds treated with composite dressings was 90.26 ± 3.98 as compared to 82.34 ± 5.10 for sodium alginate treated wounds at the end of 14 days. Histopathological studies showed increased fibroblast cells, restored adnexa and extensive collagen fibres and completely developed blood vessels in composite treated wounds. The hydroxyproline content in wounds treated with composite dressing was 66.87 and in those treated with sodium alginate dressing was 61.19. ConclusionThe results signify the potential of lyophilized chitin nanowhiskers-sodium alginate composites for wound healing application.