Effect of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate on collagen stabilization for wound healing application

Wound healing is a complex process which requires appropriate structural support for restoration of tissue continuity and function. Collagen can act as a template for cellular activities but poor physico-chemical properties necessitates the stabilization of collagen without impairing its structure and function. This study investigates the effect of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) on collagen with reference to physico-chemical properties. Incorporation of MAP enhanced the rate of collagen fibrillation signifying increased interaction at reduced time interval. MAP did not induce any changes in the secondary structure of collagen while there was an increase in shear viscosity with increase in shear stress at different shear rate. MAP stabilized collagen film exhibited higher denaturation temperature and showed an increase in Young's Modulus when compared with that of collagen film. In vivo studies showed complete wound closure on day 16 in case of stabilized collagen film. Mechanical properties of healed skin revealed that MAP collagen film treated rat skin completely regained its properties similar to that of normal skin thereby making them a potential candidate for wound healing application.