Biocidal Elastic Films Based on Cod Collagen, Pectin, and PMMA Copolymers: Effectiveness in Healing Burn Surfaces in Small Animals

Abstract

This work investigates the conditions for obtaining 3D matrix films for wound dressings based on a copolymer of cod collagen (CC), pectin, and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The synthesis was carried out under photocatalytic conditions using the RbTe1.5W0.5O6 oxide, with glycerol as a plasticizer. The development was based on CC-PMMA-pectin hydrogels synthesized in an aqueous dispersion via photocatalysis in the presence of the complex oxide RbTe1.5W0.5O6. The hydrogels were characterized by elemental analysis and electron microscopy. By mixing the hydrogel and glycerol in a 5:1 ratio, plasticized films (CC-PMMA-pectin-glycerol films) were obtained. These films were transparent, homogeneous, elastic, and easily removed from the polymer substrate. In order to assess the stability of the obtained films, their physical and mechanical characteristics were investigated. An increase in the initial polymer content in the solution from 5% to 12% led to a simultaneous increase in tensile strength (from 0.6 MPa to 0.9 MPa) and elongation at break (from 61% to 76%). It was shown that these films are resistant to bacterial action, which is of great importance for the practical use of such wound dressings in non-sterile conditions. In vivo wound healing tests on rats showed complete wound closure (area reduced to 0 cm2 by day 28). Tests of wound healing in rats using new coverings demonstrated high efficiency, providing a rationale for further clinical trials.