Scar-reducing ionically conductive chitosan bandage: Combining ionic and electrical stimulation for optimal wound...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Large, complex wounds often heal poorly, resulting in scarring and functional deficits.
• Bioactive materials and electrical stimulation (ES) show potential but have limitations for wound healing.
• Novel strategies are needed to improve dermal wound repair and minimize scarring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the combined effects of 4-aminopyridine (4AP) and ES on human dermal fibroblasts (hDFBs).
• To develop a chitosan-based scaffold with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) for controlled delivery of 4AP and ES.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this combined approach in promoting wound healing and reducing scarring.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an ionically conductive chitosan-based scaffold incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNT) for sustained 4AP release.
• Performed in vitro assays on hDFBs treated with 4AP (100 ng/mL) and ES.
• Conducted gene expression analysis, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations on full-thickness wound models.

Main Results:

• Combined 4AP and ES significantly enhanced hDFB metabolic activity, wound closure, and mitochondrial function, while reducing inflammation.
• Gene expression analysis indicated upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and growth factor genes, followed by a shift to the remodeling phase.
• Histological analysis showed improved ECM organization, enhanced angiogenesis, increased cellular activity, and elevated neurotrophic factor expression.

Conclusions:

• The combination of 4AP and ES demonstrates an additive effect, potentially by 4AP supporting cellular metabolism enhanced by ES.
• This integrated approach offers a promising strategy for improving dermal wound healing and minimizing scarring.
• Further in vivo studies are warranted for clinical translation of this wound healing strategy.