Preparation and characterization of artificial skin using chitosan and gelatin composites for potential biomedical application

A bioadhesive wound-dressing material based on the combination of gelatin and chitosan with a proper ratio was developed and successfully applied in biomedical fields. The composite films were prepared with increase in chitosan concentration in a fixed amount of gelatin and were evaluated for mechanical stability (e.g., tensile strength, elongation-at-break), water and buffer uptake capacity, water and buffer aging, molecular structure, morphology, thermal stability, and for biological properties (e.g., antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, in vivo wound-healing performance). It is noteworthy that the 10:3 (gelatin:chitosan) composite films showed the best physico-mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties among the other ratios blend films. The improved mechanical and thermal stability of the 10:3 composite film suggested its promising use as carrier for controlled release drug. The composite film was evaluated using a rat model for in vivo tests to ascertain the applicability of the proper ratio of the chitosan and gelatin in the film for best wound-healing activity. Wound sites dresses with gelatin/chitosan composite films showed excellent rapid healing of the wound surface than those dressed with eco-plaster and gauze. Within a day after dressing with 10:3 composite film, the healing efficiency was found to be 80 %.