Sargassum glaucescens Extract/Marine-Derived Collagen Blend Sponge and Their Properties for Wound Healing

Burn wounds are challenging to treat due to considerable tissue damage and fluid loss. Creating wound dressings from natural and biological materials makes it possible to treat wounds and promote rapid epithelialization to speed healing and restore skin function. As a result, the ability of a collagen scaffold (Col) made from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and putative bioactive phytochemical components from a Sargassum glaucescens (S. glaucescens) extract (SGE) to promote burn wound healing was assessed in this work. Synthesized collagen (40 mg/ml)/SGE (1–3 mg/ml) samples were then characterized physiochemically and physiologically. The physicochemical examination validated the bioactive component of SGE, the type of collagen (type I, α1, and α2), the successful incorporation of SGE into collagen scaffolds (Col/SGE), the thermal stability, and excellent hydrophilicity and water absorption capacity of produced scaffolds. Moreover, biological experiments approved the excellent antioxidant and antibacterial activity of SGE, structural stability improvement against degradation, and cell proliferation enhancement without cell toxicity. The results showed the Col/SGE 3 mg/ml sample also had the highest level of cell activity, according to the antibacterial and cell viability assays. Additionally, using Col/SGE in vivo on burn wounds in rat models demonstrated a quicker rate of wound healing with stronger re-epithelialization and dermal remodeling, fewer inflammatory cells, more fibroblast cells, and great collagen buildup. Therefore, since the collagen/SGE scaffold is structurally stable and can potentially promote cell proliferation without causing cell toxicity, the acquired results suggested that it may significantly impact wound healing.

Graphical Abstract