The effects of Brazilian chitosan-based biomaterials on wound healing in rats

The use of natural supplies is a resource to mimic an original extracellular matrix that allows for migration, proliferation, and cellular organization. Chitosan from Brazilian Atlantic Ocean had low protein, minerals percentage and excellent antibacterial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of different types of acids as solvents with Brazilian chitosan-membrane in the healing process of skin lesions. Experimental full-thickness 2 × 2 cm wounds were created on the dorsum skin of Wistar rats. The applied different treatments were saline, collagenase®, microcrystalline chitosan salt membrane (MCSM), microcrystalline chitosan acetic acid membrane (MCAAM), and microcrystalline chitosan hydrochloric acid membrane (MCHAM). The wound repairs were measured morphologically and histologically on days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14. The exudate formation and the final wound contractions were similar in all of the groups. There were mild exudations in the groups with chitosan-membranes, despite the formation of crust under the membrane. This configured a serum hematic aspect, but there was no impact on the healing process. The MCHAM group had more favorable aspects that histologically showed the healing phases. A significant migration of neutrophils and macrophages seen by myeloperoxidade and Beta-N-Acetylglucosaminidase activities was evident in the chitosan groups, MCHAM and MCSM, respectively. Furthermore, the MCHAM group created its histological arrangement in a dense and more consistent manner.