Evaluation extracellular matrix-chitosan composite films for wound healing application

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Developing advanced wound dressings is crucial for effective healing.
• Chitosan and extracellular matrix (ECM) are promising biomaterials for wound applications.
• Composite materials offer synergistic properties for enhanced performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize extracellular matrix (ECM) based chitosan composite films.
• To evaluate the suitability of these films as wound dressing materials.
• To investigate the effect of varying ECM content on film properties.

Main Methods:

• Composite films were fabricated using chitosan and varying amounts of porcine omentum-derived ECM.
• Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were used for compositional analysis.
• Characterization included surface hydrophilicity, moisture retention, water vapor permeability, mechanical testing, and biocompatibility assays.
• Biocompatibility was assessed using blood and adipose tissue-derived stem cells.

Main Results:

• FTIR confirmed the native presence and activity of both chitosan and ECM.
• XRD revealed composition-dependent changes in film crystallinity.
• Mechanical properties were found to be adequate for wound dressing applications.
• Increased ECM content improved hydrophilicity, moisture retention, and reduced water vapor transmission rate.
• Films demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with blood and adipose-derived stem cells.

Conclusions:

• ECM-chitosan composite films possess suitable properties for wound dressing applications.
• The developed films offer enhanced moisture management and biocompatibility.
• These composite films represent a promising biomaterial for advanced wound healing strategies.