An in vivo study of hydrogels based on physiologically clotted fibrin-gelatin composites as wound-dressing materials

In this study we have reported the efficacy of three biomaterials: (a) physiologically clotted fibrin–gelatin composite (PFG), (b) PFG graft copolymerized with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PFG–HEMA), and (c) PFG graft copolymerized with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (PFG–HPMA) as temporary wound‐dressing materials using the rat as an animal model. Full‐thickness excision wounds were made on the back of female rats weighing about 150 ± 10 g. The dressings were applied on the wounds and changed periodically at an interval of 4 days with the respective materials. The wounds treated with PFG–HEMA healed completely on 15th day after wound creation, whereas those treated with PFG and PFG–HPMA resulted in complete healing on the 17th day. The concentrations of collagen, hexosamine, and uronic acid in the granulation tissue were determined. The PFG and its graft copolymers acted as hydrogels, thereby absorbing excess exudates, while still maintaining a moist environment at the wound site. The enhanced wound healing in the experimental animals was reflected in the increased rate of wound contraction. The results of the histological and mechanical studies of the experimental groups revealed that reepithelialization and remodeling of the skin have been achieved by providing a moist environment at the wound site by the biomaterials and thereby hastening the migration of keratinocytes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 71B: 305–312, 2004