Chitosan topical gel formulation in the management of burn wounds

Wound healing properties of chitosan with different molecular weight and degree of deacetylation ranges have been examined. The macroscopic image and histopathology were examined using chitosan, Fucidin(R) ointment and to blank. The rate of contraction was evaluated by determination of the unclosed area as a function of time. The treated wounds were found to contract at the highest rate with high molecular weight-high degree of deacetylation chitosan-treated rats as compared to untreated, treated, and Fucidin(R) ointment-treated rats. Wounds treated with high molecular weight chitosan had significantly more epithelial tissue (p < 0.05) than wounds with any other treatment and the best re-epithelization and fastest wounds closure were found with the high molecular weight chitosan treatment group. Histological examination and collagenase activity studies revealed advanced granulation tissue formation and epithelialization in wounds treated with high molecular weight chitosan (p < 0.05). High molecular weight with high degree of deacetylation chitosan samples therefore demonstrates potential for use as a treatment system for dermal burns. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.