Polymeric scaffold of Gallic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles infused with collagen-fibrin for wound dressing application

The present study explores the curative efficacy of collagen-fibrin scaffold with Gallic acid loaded Chitosan nano-particles (GA-CSNPs) in wound healing. GA-CSNPs were synthesized by ionotropic gelation and the incorporation of GA was confirmed with Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). Change in the crystal structure of GA was confirmed by X-ray Powder Diffraction (X-PRD) and Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC). Surface Electron microscopy (SEM) showed that GA-CSNPs have roughly spherical morphology and mean diameter of 251.3 nm with positive zeta potential. The drug encapsulation was found to be 34.2-73.5%. Col-fibrin scaffolds crosslinked with genipin using cryodesiccation technique showed a sheet-like architecture with 66.78% of crosslinking degree. Scaffolds exhibited porosity of 38.49% and decrease in swelling ratio. Biodegradation study demonstrated controlled degradation with collagenase and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed excellent thermal stability and sustained drug release property. In vitro and in vivo study results indicate that the group treated with nanocomposite scaffold exhibits enhanced re-epithelialization, accelerated fibroblast cell migration, wound healing and significant wound contraction (p<0.001) compared to control. Nanocomposite scaffolds also accelerates angiogenesis, hexosamine synthesis, collagen deposition and recruiting immune cells at wound area. These results suggest nanocomposite scaffold values for their use as a promising wound dressing material for better tissue regeneration. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.