Development and study of the effect of a dermal hydrogel with corn silk extract on repair of scarified wounds in the experiment

Abstract

Introduction. One of the most promising methods for the treatment of wounds is application of collagen hydrogels. Supplements of plant bioactive compounds of corn silk (CS) can significantly enhance antioxidant, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory effects of collagen hydrogels. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and reparative properties of a multicomponent dermal hydrogel (DH) with the CS extract. Methods. We obtained a thick CS extract by vacuum filtration. To obtain DH, samples of porcine dermis were decellularized with 5% NaOH. Cytotoxicity was assessed with DF-1 dermal fibroblasts, and their viability was determined by the Live&Dead method. The effect of DH with the 2% CS extract was evaluated on Wistar male rats: group 1, rats without treatment (control group); group 2, rats treated with DH with the CS extract (experimental group); and group 3, rats treated with DH without the CS extract (comparison group). Scarified wounds (30x20x2 mm) were inflicted in the shoulder area, then the wounds of groups 2 and 3 rats were treated for 7 days. Samples of rat skin were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or with CD68, CD3 antibodies. Results. The DH with the CS extract at a 1:50 dilution did not show toxic effects; thus, this dilution was chosen for the development of a composite DH with the 2% CS extract. According to the results of visual and histological assessment of the reparation effectiveness, a scab formed in the wound area in the control and comparison groups on day 7 of experiment, while in the experimental group, all skin layers formed during the same period. A considerable number of CD3, CD68-positive cells was detected in the preparations of the experimental group on day 2, while these cells were not found on day 7. Conclusion. The concentration of the CS extract used for the development of DH is not toxic to cells. Evaluation of the experimental treatment with the composite DH showed a positive reparative effect compared to the control or the comparison group.