Schizophyllum commune-derived Chitin Glucan Complex Wound Dressing: Antibacterial Activity and Wound Healing Properties in a Second Degree Burn Animal Model

Abstract

The chitin-glucan complex (CGC) consists of β-glucan and chitin with covalant bonds. CGC with biodegradable, biocompatible, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties is a powerful agent in wound healing. Schizophyllum commune is a source of these metabolite. This study aims to optimize the preparation of CGC nanofibers by electrospinning. Optimal conditions were selected for fabricating nanofibers (10% PVA solution, 2% CGC solution, 0.29 g gelatin, and 2.3 mL of acetic acid) with 17 kV, 900 rpm, and a feed rate of 0.3 mL/min. SEM showed uniform nanofibers with a diameter of 210 ± 71 nm and 56% porosity. FTIR investigates possible interactions between components. CGC/PVA/Gelatin nanofibers are hydrophilic. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus reached 4.223, 2.2092 Mpa, respectively. CGC/PVA/Gelatin nanofibers inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. aureus by 25% and 78% after 24 hours, respectively. These nanofibers are nontoxic to fibroblast cells and improve their proliferation and adhesion. CGC/PVA/Gelatin nanofibers were used to cover grade 2 burn wounds in male Wistar rats. Morphometric results showed that the wound healing rate is 86% in the nanofibers treated group (p< 0.05) and 58% and 49% in the positive and negative control groups. S. commune CGC nanofibers can be used as wound dressings.

Keywords

• schizophyllum commune
• chitin-glucan complex
• nanofibers
• antibacterial
• wound healing