Preparation of a carboxymethylated diethyl aminoethyl cellulose-collagen nanocomposite scaffold as a candidate for skin tissue engineering

Abstract

Extensive wounds might result in massive infections, deformation, or organ malfunction. Conventional therapies like skin grafting possess some drawbacks, therefore, the urge of developing tissue engineering techniques and skin substitutes has emerged. During this study, a biocompatible nanoscaffold was fabricated from wood nanocellulose, collagen, and carboxymethyl diethylaminoethyl cellulose to be used in the wound regeneration process. The main chemical, physical, and biological features of the synthesized nanoscaffold were determined by employing various techniques. In addition, an in vivo assay was performed to evaluate the allergic or immunogenic properties and potential healing effects of the scaffold. Zeta potential was measured to be −43.9 mv reflecting the high stability of the scaffold. The crystallite size was determined to be 69 nm by XRD which was in the nanoparticle size range. The crystallinity index was estimated to be 66.8% indicating more crystalline nature of the nanocomposite. PH was adjusted to 5.6 to be suitable for the wound healing process. The scaffold was proved to be biocompatible and showed improved water uptake capacity and adhesive properties. Moreover, no allergic or immune response was induced while applying the scaffold to a biological system. It was proved the scaffold assists in the wound healing process by histological studies. This study shows the synthesized nanoscaffold is a good candidate to be used in the wound regeneration process. It could combine with cell therapy to increase the healing effect. There could be a possibility to use the scaffold as a biological Band-Aid following more intensive clinical trials in the future.