Development and characterization of silk films for burn wound healing

Abstract

Purpose

Wound healing is a dynamic process that relies on coordinated signaling molecules to succeed. Silk has proven to be a promising biomaterial for the development of a novel product. The purpose of the study is development of silk films, augmented functionality can be provided to silk by means of loading honey and recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF).

Design/methodology/approach

In this research work, the authors set out to explore possibilities of silk-based biomedical device development with particular attention to different fabrication strategies that can be leveraged for this purpose. They have produced a novel silk-based drug delivery material, in the form of silk films. Scanning electronic microscope was used to observe the morphology and the highly specific surface area. The structure was studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. This methodology is accomplished using in vivo study data using Wister albonia rats.

Findings

The developed films also provided a significant higher healing rate in vivo, with well-formed epidermis with faster granulation tissue formation when compared to the controls. Biodegradable polymeric materials based on blending aqueous dispersions of natural polymer sodium alginate, Chitosan and rhEGF complex, which allow controlled antiseptic release, are presented.

Originality/value

These results suggest that silk-based controlled release of Chitosan-rhEGF may serve as a new therapy to accelerate healing of burn wounds.

Citation

Nachiappan, S., Amanuel, L., Agazie, T. and Bihonegn, S. (2020), "Development and characterization of silk films for burn wound healing", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 131-146. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-11-2019-0056