Gold nanoparticles for treatment of experimental burns

Abstract

At present, among many types of nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are the most promising in biology and medicine due to the wide range of valuable chemical and physical properties. The goal of the present study is to investigate a possibility of cell-free application of the AuNPs in methylcellulose gel (MG) to treat full-thickness experimental burns in rats. Thermal burns of grade 3 are modelled in rats. The next day after the injury, the animals were randomly divided into three groups: control group without a treatment; research group 1 with application of MG; research group 2 with application of both MG and AuNPs (6 μg/ml). As shown, the superficial application of MG containing AuNPs improves the general status of animals, accelerates the wound-healing process by increasing cell proliferation and subsequent regulation of col-lagen synthesis/degradation. The results concerning the effect of AuNPs application in regenerative processes in burns provide some pre-conditions for the following advanced nanomedical-technology developments.