Hybrid chitosan sponges biofunctionalized with decellularized porcine bladder extracellular matrix for in vivo dermal...

The limited availability of wound dressings necessitated the development of low-cost options for burn treatment. In this study, chitosan and porcine extracellular matrix (ECM) sponges were developed for potential use in dermal regeneration. These sponges are designed for wounds that require a material to promote fibroblast growth, which is essential for the formation of new, healthy tissue. Natural materials, such as chitosan and ECM, provide antimicrobial and regenerative properties, as well as structural proteins and bioactive signals essential for the repair of damaged tissue. Therefore, using natural materials, also named biomaterials, combined with tissue engineering techniques could provide valuable alternatives to traditional burn treatments. The sponges were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to confirm crosslinking process. Additionally, physicochemical properties were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their degradation was assessed by gravimetric analysis. Biocompatibility was confirmed using methods such as MTS assays, hemocompatibility testing, in vivo studies, and microbiological tests. The results showed that the sponges exhibited suitable crosslinking, high swelling capacity, and remained stable for up to 48 h; they were non-cytotoxic and non-hemolytic, accelerated wound healing, and demonstrated antibacterial properties under physiological conditions. These findings indicate that the proposed chitosan/decellularized extracellular matrix of porcine bladder sponges shows promise as an alternative for burn treatment.