European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ROLE OF NANO FIBER SCAFFOLDS IN WOUND HEALING

Ravikumar Gopalakrishnan*, Sivakami Thiagarajan, Sugapradha G. R. and Jenifer P.

ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic wound remains a global healthcare problem for patients who suffer from burns or chronic skin ulcers. Wound healing is a natural restorative response and its purpose is to repair the skin to prevent infection and to restore tissue integrity and function. Management of chronic wounds includes the application of an antimicrobial dressing which reduces inflammation and regulation of other pathogens. Fiber based dressing provides moist environment, removes excess exudates, allows gaseous exchange, and does not release fiber materials to the wound hence minimizing the risk of infection. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the role of chitosan based nano fiber scaffolds in wound healing. Methods: A prospective, randomized, interventional trial that was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur, India between January 2018 and December 2018 to evaluate the potential of chitosan based nano fibers in promoting skin regeneration in various skin wounds. A total of 56 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for the trial. The treatment group of 30 patients received the chitosan based nano fiber dressing and the control group of 26 patients received traditional dressing in the form of gauze, bandage and adhesive tapes for 20 days. Results: In the control group four wounds healed but the remaining wounds all deteriorated and became infected, requiring antibiotics. In contrast, in the treatment group 26/30 wounds healed completely, and none became infected; the remaining four wounds healed during the follow-up period. The difference between the two groups in the number of wounds that healed was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusions: Chitosan, an important biodegradable and biocompatible polymer possess antimicrobial properties such as antibacterial, antifungal and other physical and chemical properties which enhance the wound healing in a better and faster closure.

Keywords: Nano fiber, Wounds, Skin regeneration.