The effect of bioactive compounds extracted from natural rubber serum on wound healing: An in vitro study

Wound healing is a complex process that involves a sequential interplay of inflammation, cell proliferation, and migration. Natural rubber extracts have been explored in cell migration and proliferation, playing a pivotal role in tissue regeneration.

This study identified and fractionated bioactive elements in natural rubber serum and investigated their effect on wound healing capacity.

The fractions were obtained through anion exchange chromatography, acetone precipitation, and ammonium sulfate precipitation. Wound healing effects were studied in vitro through fibroblast cell proliferation, scratch assay, and fibroblast cytotoxicity by live-dead cell staining.

Specific fractions R10k0.2, R10k0.4, R1k1, R1k0.6, and R1k0.8 were obtained through anion chromatography. Only the R1k-unbound, R1k0.6, and R1k0.8 promoted fibroblast proliferation, and those fractions were further extracted by acetone precipitation and ammonium sulfate. These fractions expedited wound gap closure in migration assays. Sugar compounds and carbohydrates were primarily identified in the fractions from anion exchange chromatography, while protein constituents were found from ammonium sulfate precipitation.

The bioactive fractions from natural rubber serum primarily consisted of sugar compounds with trace amounts of proteins. The carbohydrates extracted enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration with no toxicity to the cells. These compounds possessed potential applications in wound healing and tissue regeneration.