Evaluation of the Performance of a ZnO-Nanoparticle-Coated Hydrocolloid Patch in Wound Healing

Hydrocolloid dressings are an important method for accelerating wound healing. A combination of a hydrocolloid and nanoparticles (NPs), such as gold (Au), improves the wound healing rate, but Au-NPs are expensive and unable to block ultraviolet (UV) light. Herein, we combined zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) with hydrocolloids for a less expensive and more effective UV-blocking treatment of wounds. Using Sprague-Dawley rat models, we showed that, during 10-day treatment, a hydrocolloid patch covered with ZnO-NPs (ZnO-NPs-HC) macroscopically and microscopically stimulated the wound healing rate and improved wound healing in the inflammation phase as shown by reducing of pro-inflammatory cytokines (CD68, IL-8, TNF-alpha, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-1 beta, and M1) up to 50%. The results from the in vitro models (RAW264.7 cells) also supported these in vivo results: ZnO-NPs-HCs improved wound healing in the inflammation phase by expressing a similar level of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-alpha and IL-6) as the negative control group. ZnO-NPs-HCs also encouraged the proliferation phase of the healing process, which was displayed by increasing expression of fibroblast biomarkers (alpha-SMA, TGF-beta 3, vimentin, collagen, and M2) up to 60%. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of wound healing by measuring the biomarkers in each phase and suggests a cheaper method for wound dressing.

Automated summary

Hydrocolloid dressings combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles were found to accelerate wound healing rates, reduce inflammation, and promote the proliferation phase of the healing process. This cost-effective and UV-blocking treatment showed significant improvements in both in vivo and in vitro models, providing a promising approach for wound dressing.