The effects of PVA/Chitosan/Fibroin (PCF)-blended spongy sheets on wound healing in rats

Abstract

The effects of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)/Chitosan/Fibroin (PCF)-blended sponge on wound healing in rats were investigated. We excised the skin of a rat, including the dermis, approximately 2x2 cm in size. The wound was covered with PCF-blended spongy sheets. The spongy sheets absorbed the exudate, and gained flexibility and softness. Histopathological inspection of the wound 12d later showed an increase of vascular ingrowth and the absence of inflammatory cells. Regeneration of the skin around the wound was faster than that of the control. We also tested wound healing effects of PVA, Chitosan and Fibroin, alone or in various combinations. Wound healing was accelerated in the order of PCF-blended sponge>Chitosan/Fibroin (CF)-blended sponge≥Fibroin (F) sponge>PVA/Chitosan-blended sponge (PC)>Chitosan (C) sponge.