Evaluation of Polymeric Matrix Loaded with Melatonin for Wound Dressing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Dermatology

Background:

• Melatonin, a bioactive methoxyindole, plays a crucial role in biological systems and shows potential for treating skin diseases.
• Mammalian skin synthesizes and metabolizes melatonin, highlighting its significance in cutaneous biology.
• Extracellular matrix-mimicking scaffolds with bioactive substances are vital for tissue regeneration and wound healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize biomimetic hybrid scaffolds incorporating melatonin for potential dermatological applications.
• To evaluate the impact of melatonin on the biophysical and cellular properties of chitosan/collagen scaffolds.
• To assess the efficacy of melatonin-loaded scaffolds in promoting cutaneous cell viability and proliferation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of chitosan/collagen (CTS/Coll) hybrid scaffolds blended with varying doses of melatonin.
• Characterization of scaffold properties using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• In vitro assessment of cell proliferation using human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK), dermal fibroblasts (NHDF), and melanoma cells.

Main Results:

• Melatonin incorporation did not adversely affect the biophysical properties of the hybrid scaffolds.
• Melatonin significantly increased the viability and proliferation of NHEK, NHDF, and melanoma cells in vitro.
• The developed scaffolds demonstrated accelerated re-epithelialization, indicating enhanced wound healing potential.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin-immobilized chitosan/collagen scaffolds are promising for tissue engineering and wound healing.
• This indoleamine delivery system accelerates re-epithelialization and enhances cutaneous cell viability.
• The findings support further exploration of these scaffolds in dermatotherapy and skin protection.