Smart Bio-Polymeric Matrix for Accelerated Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration

    

    

    Figure 1: Schematically representation of the ESMP-AGDS hybrid skin graft the fabrication process.
    

Porosity

Porosity (Χ) (n=5) were determined by following the liquid displacement method protocol as described by Sharma et al [30]. To determine the volume of pores within the scaffold, the amount of solvent filled in the porous scaffold structure, was calculated. In brief, the scaffold is completely immersed in graduated cylinder filled with a known volume of water (V₁) and the volume of water after the scaffold-immersion was recorded as V₂. After immersion, the scaffold was removed and the volume of solvent remaining in the graduated cylinder was measured as V₃. Further, the total volume (V_t) of the scaffold was calculated to determine porosity Χ following the equations as described below.

All the experiments the mean value and Standard deviation (mean ± SD) was calculated.

Morphological characterization

Ultra-structure of the AGDS (control) and hybrid ESMP-AGDS including porosity and pore size was determined using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) (MIRA3 TESCAN, Brno- Kohoutovice Czech Republic). Images of the upper surface and crosssectional area of grafts were examined at the saturation pressure of 1torr and 5kV accelerating voltage. Further, the scaffolds average size of pores and porosity were determined using ImageJ software (Image J 1.40 g, Wayne Rasband, National Institute of Health, USA).

Chemical characterization

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the ESMP, AGDS and hybrid ESMP-AGDS were performed for the functional group and secondary structure analyses of proteins. All the samples were processed to form compressed KBr pellets in ratio of 1mg sample per 900mg KBr. The absorbance of the samples were recorded in the range from 4000 to 400 cm^-1 at 2cm^-1 resolutions using FTIR spectrophotometer (Thermo Nicolet, USA) and recorded the absorbance averaging 100 scans.

Crosslinking test (Ninhydrin assay)

Degree of crosslinking in fabricated scaffolds was determined by Ninhydrin assay [31]. In this assay, ninhydrin reacts with free amino group present in sample gives a deep blue or purple color. Briefly 50mg of sample was taken in test-tube and 1ml ninhydrin reagent was added in it. Mixed the sample and ninhydrin by vortexing and boiled for 2min by keeping them in pre-warmed water bath. After boiling samples were cooled down at RT and 1ml ethanol (50%) was added. Samples were mixed well and absorbance was measured at 570nm. Glycine solution was taken as standard, unmodified scaffold (Non crosslinked-NC) as control and crosslinked sample (C). The degree of cross-linking was calculated by the formula described below:

In vitro biodegradation

The biodegradability rate of the AGDS and hybrid ESMPAGDS were evaluated under enzymatic as well as under nonenzymatic conditions [2]. Briefly, 2mg scaffold pieces were weighed and immersed in 10mL of 1X PBS enzymatic solution having 0.05% collagenase enzyme from Clostridium histolyticum for study the biodegradation. Similar for the evaluation of non-enzymatic degradation, samples were immersed in 1X PBS (pH 7.4). Both the enzyme treated and non-treated samples were incubated at 37oC in a shaking incubator and after regular time intervals of 5h, the samples were removed from the shaker, lyophilized and weighed. Weight loss or the rate of biodegradation (n=3) was calculated by using the following equation:

where, W_o denotes the initial weight of the scaffold and W_t denotes the weight of the degraded scaffold at different time intervals.

Biocompatibility study

MTT assay: The cell viability and proliferation over the scaffold was studied by MTT assay with 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. Briefly, the sterilized AGDS (control) and hybrid ESMP-AGDS pieces of dimension 1cm×1cm ×1mm were kept in a 24-well tissue culture plate containing DMEM nutrient medium and incubated overnight in a CO₂ incubator. After the incubation, nutrient medium was removed from each well and 10μl of cell suspension (1×103cells/well) medium was added to the scaffold present in the well. Further, 990μl fresh DMEM medium was added in the wells incubated in the CO₂ incubator (5% CO₂ supply) at 37^oC. After respective time period of 1, 3, 5 and 7 day, MTT assay was performed and the absorbance of the sample was measured. The experiment was carried out in triplicates. For MTT assay, at different time periods, freshly prepared DMEM media and MTT (5mg/ml stock in 1× PBS), were added in the ratio (v/v) of 1:9 into the respective wells. The plates were incubated at 37^oC in dark for 4h and thereafter the media was removed from the wells. To dissolve the formazan crystals, 0.2ml DMSO was added in each well and gentle swirled the tissue culture plate. After the complete dissolution of formazan crystals, the absorbance of the samples were taken at wavelength of 490nm using Microplate Reader (TECAN, India). The absorbance gives a measure of cell viability. The cellviability was calculated at different time intervals (days) by using the measured absorbance value.

Cell adherence and morphological examination by FESEM: Cell adherence and spreading over the scaffold was examined by FESEM image analysis of the recellularized scaffold by following the previous protocol [32]. On day 7, cell-seeded scaffold-constructs of both samples (AGDS and hybrid ESMP-AGDS-cell construct) were collected and fixed in 4% formalin solution. The formalin fixed scaffolds were then dehydrated using ethanol at 4^oC in gradient concentration (50%, 70% and 100%) for 30min each and overnight air-drying. Then, the outer surface and cross-sectional morphology of the scaffold was examined at the saturation pressure of 1torr and accelerating voltage of 5kV. Images were captured by FESEM and analyzed by using ImageJ analysis software.

Pre-clinical study

For animal wound healing study the protocol was approved by the Institute Animal Ethics Committee (ethical approval number: BT/ IAEC/2016/02), IIT Roorkee, India. In vivo full thickness excisional wound healing experiment were performed by using procedure as described in the literature [33]. Two months old, 48 healthy albino mice (both sex) having weight 25-30 gm were procured from the animal house of IVRI, Bareilly. Animal were housed in the institute animal house and were supplied with food and ad lib water. All animals were kept separately, so they can live comfortably.

Wound construction and graft implantation: Wound creation was done aseptically under anaesthetic condition. Anaesthesia drug were administered to the animals by the IP route with dosage: diazepam, 10mg/kg animal body weight and ketamine, 100mg/kg of animal body weight. After anaesthesia, dorsal back side hair of the animal was shaved, cleaned with antiseptic solution (Dettol^®) and full-thickness excisional wound of diameter 1.5cm was created by punching method. Subsequently, animals were divided into 3 groups (8 animals in each group) classifying them as: control (I): treatment with Povidone-iodine solution (Betadine^®, Win-Medicare Pvt. Ltd., India), unmodified scaffold (AGDS) (II) and modified scaffold (ESMP-AGDS) (III). Group I was treated with normal dressing, group II was treated with AGDS and group III was treated by grafting the modified scaffold on the wound site. After treatment, all the wounds were dressed with sterile non-adhesive surgical pad- Combine dressing (KS CARE^TM, India) and covered with surgical tape (3M Transpore^TM, North coast medical Inc. USA), for the prevention of dressing omission and proper aeration of wound area.

Evaluation of wound healing:

Wound healing rate: Wound healing area (mm²) of all groups was measured on postoperative day of 3, 7 and 14. Transparent sheet was used for tracing the wound contraction area and graph paper was used to calculate the wound healing area. The wound healing % was measured by mapping the size of wound reduction area during wound healing.

Planimetry: For the examination of shape, abnormality and colour of the wound, colour pictures of the wound site were taken with a digital camera from a fixed distance, on post-operative day of 3, 7 and 14.

Histology evaluation: Tissue biopsies samples were collected from the wound site on post-operative day 7 and 14. Collected biopsies were fixed in 10% formalin for 1h and then embedded in paraffin. The fixed tissue was sectioned into 5μm thick slices and then mounted on glass-slide, followed by H&E staining. After staining, images of the stained tissues were taken at 10X magnification using phase-contrast microscopy and the images were analyzed using Miotic Imaging software (Diagnostic Instruments; Sterling Heights, MI).

Immunological observations: In vivo immunogenic and allergic responses induced by AGDS and hybrid ESMP-AGDS were evaluated by measuring the Immunoglobulin (Ig) level, Complement component (C3) and specific inflammatory cell level by following the protocol of Banrejee and co-workers [34]. Briefly, blood samples were collected on post-operative days of 7 and 14 from the mice tailvein and stored them at -80^oC until it’s analyzed. In-direct ELISA was performed to measure the level of IgG, IgM and C3 in blood serum using an anti-mouse IgG which is primary antibody conjugated secondary antibody with horseradish peroxidase. For Complete Blood Counting (CBC) testing, blood samples were collected in EDTA coated vials (to protect it from clotting) and subjected to analysis by Multispecies Haematology system (Siemens, Germany).

Statistical analysis

Experimental data quantitative results were measured as mean ± standard deviation and statistically by the applying the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and p-value (<0.05).

Results and Discussion

SLS analysis of ESMP

SLS method was used to determine the molecular weight of the prepared soluble ESMP by plotting the Zimm plot (Figure 2). Zimm plot of ESMP dissolved in water is plotted by 4 different concentration and 6 scattering angles (0-105^o). The Molecular Weight (Mw), Radius of Gyration (Rg) and 2^nd viral of coefficient (A₂) was found to be 12kDa, 111.4±7.5nm and 9.8±2.1 e-02 cm³/mol/g². The low and positive value of A₂ indicates the good solubility of sample in solvent. In literature, it was reported that ESMP fractions (>10kDa) helps to mitigate UV-B radiation-induced wrinkles, collagen, Hyaluronic Acid (HA), MMP-1 activity and can be used for functional cosmetic materials [35].

Figure 2: Molecular weight analysis of ESMP SLS analysis-Zimm plot (here red line-0 angle & pink line- 0 concentration).

    

    

    Figure 2: Molecular weight analysis of ESMP SLS analysis-Zimm plot (here red line-0 angle & pink line- 0 concentration).
    

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Bio-chemical analysis

Ninhydrin assay indicates with the crosslinking occurs between the ESMP and AGDS free functional group, and with the increase of concentration SF crosslinking percentage increases (Figure 3A). FTIR spectra analysis of ESMP, AGDS and hybrid ESMP-AGDS was studied to determine the interaction occurs between the different the components used to fabricate the graft (Figure 3B). FTIR spectra of ESMP showed the presence of the characteristic peaks-3492cm^-1 between the region 3750 and 2500 cm^-1, shows stretching mode of O-H and N-H group , asymmetric stretching vibration of C-H bonds present in =C-H and =CH₂. Peak at 2125cm^-1 confirmed the CH stretching between the groups. The region of lower wavelength shows CN stretching/NH bending modes, assigned to the amide I, amide II and amide III vibrations of the glycoproteins, respectively. The peaks at 1638, 1416 and 577 cm-1 corresponds to the stretching modes of C-O, N-H and C-S bonds, respectively. Kang and co-workers reported the peaks at 3262cm-1 of NH stretching vibration; 2968cm^-1 of CH stretching; 1642cm^-1 of CO amide I, and 1549 cm^-1 of NH bending amide II in soluble ESMP [11,36]. Sah & Parmanik found FTIR spectra peaks at 3215cm^-1, 2126cm^-1, 1654cm^-1, 1545cm^-1, 1253cm^-1 present in ESMP [37]. Likewise, other scientists also reported all the essential proteinceous compounds peaks at the region: 3200-3500 cm^-1, 1600-1700 cm^-1 (amide I), 1500-1600 cm^-1 (amide II), 1200-1300 cm^-1 (amide III) respectively [38-40]. FTIR spectra of AGDS have peaks at 3473cm-1 for the NH-stretching, 2923cm^-1 for asymmetrical CH₂ stretching. Other peaks at the absorbance1643cm-1, 1554cm^-1 and 1240cm^-1 showed the presence of amide I (C=O), amide II (NH) and amide III (CN) groups respectively, which proves the collagenous structure and the presence of functional groups for better cell attachment. In case of the hybrid ESMP-AGDS the peaks at 3434cm^-1 (stretching mode of OH, NH group), 1587cm^-1 (amide I), 1471cm^-1 (amide II), 1158cm^-1 (amide III) were shifted, confirmed the possible interactions among the functional groups. Asymmetrical stretching CH2 group peak at 2939 cm^-1 present in AGDS was disappeared after modification in the modified scaffold, which indicated the possible H-bonding or other interaction forms between the AGDS and ESMP. Other peaks at 1407 cm^-1, 1308 cm^-1 and 849 cm^-1 were appeared, which indicates the presence of NH, C=O, CS, functional groups on the surface for better cell attachment. Other researchers, also found shifting or disappearance of the native peaks in different ESMP composite with other polymers (PLGA, PEO,PVA, PCL,SF) which results stable cross-linking [9,11,13,37,41]. As mentioned above in FTIR spectra analysis, AGDS pieces were simply modified with soluble ESMP by dip-coating method indicates the possible interaction or chemical bonding occurs between the ESMP and AGDS. ESMP and AGDS have protein rich matrix, which results the crosslinking between the biomolecules or functional groups present on their surface (Figure 4). Acellular tissue matrix is mainly consists of collagen protein for the stable amide linkage between the groups. Similarly, the ESM have a protein rich structure consist of collagen, GAGs, proteoglycans [42,43]. In literature, many scientist modified the several polymeric scaffold (PCL, PLA, PVA, PEG etc.) with ESMP to enhance the biocompatibility by simple physical method and formation of H-bonding with functional (amide and carbonyl) group on ESMP surface [44]. Here, we also assumed that the H-bonding occur between the amide and carbonyl groups of the ECM based acellular scaffold surface and ESMP.

Figure 3: Biochemical characterization ESMP-AGDS: (A) Crosslinking index between ESMP and AGDS in ESMP-AGDS and (b) FTIR spectra analysis of ESMP, AGDS and ESMP-AGDS.

    

    

    Figure 3: Biochemical characterization ESMP-AGDS: (A) Crosslinking index between ESMP and AGDS in ESMP-AGDS and (b) FTIR spectra analysis of ESMP,
AGDS and ESMP-AGDS.
    

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Figure 4: Schematically diagrammatic representation of possible interaction between ESMP and AGDS (acellular graft).

    

    

    Figure 4: Schematically diagrammatic representation of possible interaction between ESMP and AGDS (acellular graft).
    

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Morphological analysis

FESEM images of the fabricated AGDS and hybrid ESMPAGDS showed pore to pore interconnected ultrastructure with good porosity (Figure 5). The porosity and pores size of the scaffold were significantly good after coating with ESMP. In case of AGDS, the pores size and porosity was found to be 77.69± 26.81μm and 86.56±15.10%. While in the case of hybrid ESMP-AGDS the pore size and the porosity of the scaffolds were progressively decreased, with the increase of concentration of ESMP solution. Among all the groups Sample 1, hybrid ESMP-AGDS with 5% concentration ESMP, showed good porosity 60.56±9.78% and pore-size 57.69±15.65 μm, this is good for cell migration and proliferation. Other researcher proved that the scaffold have microstructure for better cell growth and nutrient diffusion [45-48]. Sah and co-workers found that the SFPVA (Silk Fibroin-Polyvinyl alcohol) scaffold modified with 2% (w/v) soluble ESMP could be a better option for tissue engineering [49].

Figure 5: (A) FESEM images of unmodified (control-AGDS) and hybrid (ESMP-AGDS) with different concentration of ESMP protein. (B) Correlation between the concentration of ESMP protein in hybrid scaffold with the porosity and pore-size of the scaffold.

    

    

    Figure 5: (A) FESEM images of unmodified (control-AGDS) and hybrid (ESMP-AGDS) with different concentration of ESMP protein. (B) Correlation between the
concentration of ESMP protein in hybrid scaffold with the porosity and pore-size of the scaffold.
    

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Bio- degradability rate

The degradability rate of grafts (AGDS and ESMP-AGDS) was evaluated under enzymatic (0.05%) and non-enzymatic (PBS) conditions (Figure 6 and Table 1). Hybrid ESMP-AGDS complete degraded within 160h under in PBS and 120h in the presence of collagenase enzyme. After the addition of ESMP with AGDS, degradation time was significantly increased, which indicates that possibly some strong interaction from among them. In case of hybrid ESMP-AGDS matrix excessive deposition of ECM proteins occurs, which may results slow-degradation and more stability as compare to the AGDS. ESM and soluble ESMP has a high content of bioactive components, which are nontoxic and biodegradable [7,13,50]. Many researchers successfully synthesized ESMP composite scaffolds (e.g., SF-SEM, PEG-ESM, PCL-ESM) to hinders the biodegradability and increase their biocompatibility, without any toxic effect [37,44,51]. Here, we also observed the significant change in degradability of scaffold after modification, may be in results better tissue regeneration.

Figure 6: In vitro biodegradation of AGDS and ESMP-AGDS in the presence of Collagenase enzyme (COL) and 1X PBS solution.

    

    

    Figure 6: In vitro biodegradation of AGDS and ESMP-AGDS in the presence
of Collagenase enzyme (COL) and 1X PBS solution.
    

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Table 1: Comparison of biodegradability rate of unmodified (AGDS) and ESMP modified acellular dermal scaffold.

  

    
Scaffold    Type 
    
ESMP concentration (%)
    
Time    for complete degradation (h) 
  
  

    
PBS (1X)
    
Collagenase (0.05%)
  
  

    
AGDS
    
0
    
125 
    
75 
  
  

    
ESMP-AGDS
    
5
    
160
    
120
  
  

    
7.5
    
170
    
130
  
  

    
10
    
175
    
135
  

Table 1: Comparison of biodegradability rate of unmodified (AGDS) and ESMP
modified acellular dermal scaffold.

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In vitro biocompatibility study

The compatibility of fabricated scaffold (AGDS and hybrid ESMP-AGDS) was evaluated by seeding the 3T3 mouse fibroblast on it and measured the cell viability and proliferation by performing MTT assay (Figure 7A). MTT assay analysis was done by measuring the absorbance of the cell-scaffold construct, which showed that with the progression of time and increase in cell number, absorbance of the sample was consequently increased. The absorbance of hybrid ESMPAGDS was significantly higher as compared the AGDS (control), which indicates the progressively increased the cell proliferation with time. FESEM images analysis of the cell seeded scaffold on day 7, showed cells were completely adhered and proliferated, over the surface and inside the pores of the scaffold (Figure 7B). Complete recellularization of scaffold concluded that the interconnected porous structure and ECM rich nature, results better cell growth and tissue regeneration. Yi and co-workers, reported that the cell culture tests showed that biocompatibility of SEP is comparable to collagen type I and even superior to raw ESM [3]. Several researchers have tried to demonstrate that ESMP is an ideal biocompatible scaffold material because of its similarity to native ECM [5,52,53] and applied Soluble Eggshell Membrane Protein (SEP) extracted from ESM used as a natural surface coating on a synthetic polymer (PE, PVA, PEO, PCL, PLGA) to enhance cell attachment [3,13,54,55]. Eggshell membrane-derived peptides prepared by alkaline treatment, were shown to stimulate human skin fibroblasts in vitro [56]. Qi and co-workers reported that the SEP/chitosan blend has much better biocompatibility-NIH 3T3cell, than pure chitosan [57]. Ohto- Fujita and co-workers found that immobilizing hydrolyzed egg membrane on phosphorylcholine polymer could provide an ECM environment for human dermal fibroblasts adhesion and growth [1]. In another studies, in vitro cytocompatibility and differentiation study SEP modified SF and SF-PVA scaffolds showed that showed that SEP supports viability, proliferation and differentiation of cord blood derived human mesenchymal stem cell [37,49]. This data revealed that at 5% concentration of ESMP coating scaffold showed best proliferation, because of stable and proper coating of pores in acellular scaffold. As reported in the literature by other scientist, we also found that the synergistic effect of ESMP along with AGDS provides a suitable microenvironment for better cell growth and neotissue regeneration.

Figure 7: In vitro cell culture: (A) MTT assay and (B) FESEM images analysis of 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell-scaffold constructs. Yellow arrow indicated cell proliferation and neo-ECM formation. Here * indicated significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05).

    

    

    Figure 7: In vitro cell culture: (A) MTT assay and (B) FESEM images analysis of 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell-scaffold constructs. Yellow arrow indicated cell
proliferation and neo-ECM formation. Here * indicated significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05).
    

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Wound healing study

The full-thickness excisional wounds treated with AGDS and ESMP-AGDS (5% ESMP) was studied the measure the in vivo biocompatibility and wound healing capability. The scaffolds (AGDS and ESMP-AGDS) were grafted over the wound and observed post-operative at different time interval. By macroscopic or visual observation, we observed that within 2 weeks the wounds were completely healed after treating them with acellular scaffolds, without any contraction or scarring at the wound site (Figure 8A). However, AGDS and ESMP-AGDS covered wounds showed significantly better wound healing rate i.e. group (II -88% & III-95%) within 7 days (Figure 8B) and wounds were completely healed within 2 weeks. The healing rate and contraction of ESMP-AGDS treated wound is faster and regenerated skin tissue with hair-follicles as compared to the AGDS where no hair-follicles were developed. Histological analysis of H&E stained skin biopsies collected from the wound site confirmed completely healing and neo-skin layers regeneration of the acellular scaffold treated wounds (group II and group III) were (Figure 8C). On post-operative day 7 epidermal and dermal layers was formed in the groups covered with grating material, without any significant inflammation. On post-operative day 14, in group III (ESMP-AGDS) dense epidermal, dermal layer with follicle site were observed. The histopathological tests clearly demonstrated that ESMP modified acellular scaffold shows better wound healing, with fully regenerated skin (epidermal and dermal layer) with hair-follicles as compare to other collagenous products.

Figure 8: In vivo wound healing study of full-thickness excisional wound on albino mice― (A) wounds macroscopic observation, (B) Wound healing rate, and (C) Histomorphological analysis of H&E stained images of wound tissue biopsies at 10X magnification. Here * indicated significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05).

    

    

    Figure 8: In vivo wound healing study of full-thickness excisional wound on albino mice― (A) wounds macroscopic observation, (B) Wound healing rate, and (C)
Histomorphological analysis of H&E stained images of wound tissue biopsies at 10X magnification. Here * indicated significant difference between the groups (p
< 0.05).
    

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Inflammatory and Immunogenic response

During the wound healing inflammatory phase is one the phase: generation of macrophages or monocytes for the removal of dead tissue. However, prolonged inflammation at the wound site results slow wound healing and finally the rejection of grafting material from the implantation site [58-60]. Briefly, the inflammation occurs at the wound site were evaluated by using the following scale: 0, little or no inflammation; 1, aggregates of inflammatory cells occupying less than 50% of the sample; and 2, aggregates of inflammatory cells occupying 50% or more of the sample. On post-operative day 7, the inflammatory response was in all groups: Group I > Group II > Group III (Table 2), least inflammation occurred in Group III among all the groups. With the progression of time, on post-operative day 14, the inflammation was not shown in group II and III, while in the group I, significant inflammatory cells were shown. Wounds with less or no inflammation were completely healed wounds, as observed in dermal graft treated (AGDS and ESMP-AGDS) group. (Table 1 and Figure 8C). However, the control group treated wounds shows some inflammation and poor healing rate. Other researcher also observed that the wounds having prolonged inflammatory response, shown poor wound healing [61,62]. Inflammation at wound site occurs due to the infection or pathogenic attack and results in induction of immune response: humoral (Ig) and cell-mediated response. Immunological testing of blood serum sample collected from treated animals showed no humoral immune response in group III and IV on post-operative day 7, (Table 3). On post-operative day 7, group I showed positive Igs and C3 test: indicated in situ immune reaction occurs in the host body. However, after two–weeks of surgery the Igs and C3 level were significantly very low in all the groups, which indicates that the epithelization or wound coverage, reduced the pathogenic attack. CBC test of blood sample collected on postoperative day 7 and 14, revealed that the cell-mediated immune response (Figure 9). On post-operative day the 7 the total WBC: Group I> Group II> Group III. On day 14, WBC was still higher in group I, however in another group WBC significantly decreased. Lymphocytes counts were also reported high in group I as compared to the acellular scaffold treated groups i.e., II and III respectively. In literature, it was reported that the goat-collagen showed low in vivo immunogenicity [34,63,64]. Monocytes counts were also significantly very high in group I and II as compared to the group II and III. In group II and III the monocytes were very negligible, which supports faster healing as compared to other groups. Thus, the outcomes of study of the fabricated ESMP-AGDS in vivo host response show negligible immunogenicity and inflammation (very low proliferation of WBC, monocytes and lymphocytes). ESM and acellular grafts has already been used as biological dressing for wound dressings and its constituents reported as a potential biomaterial for tissue engineering scaffold [3,65-67]. Kang and co-workers found that SEP-PCL blend fiber showed increased hydrophilicity, which results for better wound healing [68]. Chen and co-workers also prepared a nanocomposite by blending soluble Egg Membrane (EM) and polyurethane for the application of wound dressing [10]. Other researchers reported that the EM accelerated wound closure in the early stages of wound healing and have anti-inflammatory response over split-thickness skin graft donor sites [8,69,70]. SEP-SF scaffold supported the good cell attachment and proliferation in vivo condition without causing infection, inflammation, and/or tissue cell death [34]. In vivo animal study of SEP modified SF-PVA scaffold showed that the scaffolds are non-immunogenic and support tissue growth [49]. Li and coworkers found that EM/AgNPs could promote re-epithelialization, granulation tissue formation and wound healing with enhancing cell proliferation (more than 7 days -88.6%) in a murine full thickness skin wound model [71]. Thus, the Pre-clinical study showed that at low concentration (5% ESMP), ESMP-AGDS, synergistically enhance the wound healing rate, full-thickness wound was completely healed and full thickness skin was regenerated, without any inflammatory response.

Figure 9: CBC analysis to measure the Host Cell mediate immune response in albino mice: (A) white blood cell; (B) Monocyte count and (C) Lymphocyte count. Here * indicated significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05).

    

    

    Figure 9: CBC analysis to measure the Host Cell mediate immune response in albino mice: (A) white blood cell; (B) Monocyte count and (C) Lymphocyte count.
Here * indicated significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05).
    

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Table 2: Inflammatory response shown at the wound site of different treated groups on postoperative day 7 and 14.

  

    
Day 
    
Control 
    
Standard 
    
AGDS 
    
ESMP-AGDS 
  
  

    
7 
    
1.8 
    
1 
    
0.5 
    
0.45 
  
  

    
14 
    
1.25 
    
0.75 
    
0 
    
0 
  
  

    
Here, the inflammatory response scored as:    value “0” for little or no inflammation, “1” for moderated or less inflammation    and “2” for extensive. 
  

Table 2: Inflammatory response shown at the wound site of different treated
groups on postoperative day 7 and 14.

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Table 3: Immunogenic response induced in treated albino mice-control (Group I), AGDS (Group II) and ESMP-AGDS (Group III) at day 7 and 14.

  

    
Day 
    
7 
    
14 
    
7 
    
14 
    
7 
    
14 
  
  

    
Type 
    
IgG 
    
IgM 
    
C3 
  
  

    
Control 
    
+ 
    
- 
    
+ 
    
- 
    
+ 
    
- 
  
  

    
AGDS 
    
- 
    
- 
    
- 
    
- 
    
- 
    
- 
  
  

    
ESMP-AGDS 
    
- 
    
- 
    
- 
    
- 
    
- 
    
- 
  
  

    
Here + for high level and – for low level    of Immunoglobin (Ig) and C3 molecule. 
  

Table 3: Immunogenic response induced in treated albino mice-control (Group I),
AGDS (Group II) and ESMP-AGDS (Group III) at day 7 and 14.

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Conclusion

ESMP modified AGDS having 3D porous intact structure consisting of ECM (extra cellular matrix) components (e.g., collagen, GAGs, proteoglycans) was successfully fabricated and evaluated for wound healing application. 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells seeded over the ESMP-AGDS, revealed excellent cell viability, proliferation rate and adhesion in the scaffold. Pre-clinical full-thickness excisional wound study in albino mice, confirmed the ESMP modification enhance the healing capability of AGDS. ESMP-AGDS treated wounds were completely cured within 14 days and regenerated full thickness skin with hair-follicles. Thus, it has confirmed that ESMP coupled with AGDS shown the synergetic effect and results better healing as compared to the AGDS. Over all, the study proved that the scaffold modified with ESMP is a novel, cost-effective, biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic material. Hence, ESMP-AGDS should be a potentially candidate for large wound area coverage and applied for tissue engineering applications.

Acknowledgement

We grateful and thankful to Dr. N.C. Mishra (Department of Polymer and process engineering, IIT Roorkee, India) for providing lab scaffold fabrication; Professor Partha Roy (Department of Biotechnology, IIT Roorkee, India) for providing cell culture facilities and Professor A.K. Dinda (Department of Pathology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India) for their valuable suggestion. We also thankful to Professor S.C. Sharma (Department of Applied Sciences, IIT Roorkee, India) for their valuable guidance and suggestions. The financial assistance for this work by Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee and Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Govt. of India, is gratefully acknowledged.

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Citation: Dhasmana A, Singh L and Malik S. Smart Bio-Polymeric Matrix for Accelerated Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration. Austin J Biomed Eng. 2021; 6(1): 1045.

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