Electrospun PLGA-Propolis Scaffolds Regulate Collagen Architecture in Burn Wounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Wound healing is a complex biological process involving cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
• Collagen, particularly types I and III, is crucial for ECM remodeling during the proliferation and remodeling phases of wound healing.
• Natural, biologically active factors can accelerate skin regeneration stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of propolis-incorporated nonwoven materials on collagen organization and tissue architecture in a porcine burn model.
• To investigate the potential of propolis as a therapeutic agent for improving burn wound healing outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) copolymer to create nonwovens with varying propolis concentrations (0, 5 wt%, 10 wt%).
• Application of these nonwovens to porcine burn wound beds.
• Histological evaluation using routine light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Main Results:

• Propolis-incorporated dressings demonstrated improved epithelial and dermal tissue organization in burn wound beds.
• An increased presence of organized collagen bundles was observed in wounds treated with propolis-containing nonwovens.
• These findings suggest enhanced extracellular matrix remodeling and structural tissue organization.

Conclusions:

• Propolis incorporation into PLGA nonwovens significantly improves collagen organization and tissue architecture at the histological level in burn wounds.
• Propolis-containing dressings promote enhanced collagen deposition and organization, indicating improved ECM remodeling and structural integrity.
• These results highlight the therapeutic potential of propolis-based biomaterials for accelerating burn wound healing.