Effect of oxidized regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix on dermal and epidermal healing and growth factors in an acute wound

Rapid healing of acute wounds, e.g., in burned patients, can be essential for survival. Oxidized regenerated cellulose/collagen (ORC/collagen) has been shown to improve wound healing of chronic wounds. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of ORC/collagen on dermal and epidermal healing as well as growth factor concentration in acute wounds. Rats received a full-thickness excision wound and were treated with either ORC/collagen plus a hydrocolloid dressing or a hydrocolloid dressing alone. Planimetry, immunological assays, histological and immunohistochemical techniques were used to determine dermal and epidermal regeneration, protein concentration, and growth factor concentration. In addition, dermal vascularization and structure were determined. Wounds treated with ORC/collagen showed a significantly faster reepithelization than those treated with hydrocolloid alone, p < 0.05. This accelerated wound healing rate may be explained by significantly higher levels of platelet-derived growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in the ORC/collagen group leading to antiapoptotic effects of skin cells, p < 0.05. There were no significant differences in collagen morphology or deposition, neo-angiogenesis, or vascular endothelial growth factor concentration between both treatment groups. We conclude that ORC/collagen matrix accelerates epidermal regeneration and locally increases growth factor concentrations. Increased reepithelization was associated with decreased skin cell apoptosis. Based on our data we hypothesize that the ORC/collagen matrix may also have beneficial effects on acute wounds in a clinical setting.