Physical properties and biocompatibility of oligochitosan membrane film as wound dressing.
BACKGROUND
The physical and biological characteristics of oligochitosan (O-C) film, including its barrier and mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility, were studied to assess its potential use as a wound dressing.


METHODS
Membrane films were prepared from water-soluble O-C solution blended with various concentrations of glycerol to modify the physical properties of the films. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations were performed using primary human skin fibroblast cultures and subcutaneous implantation in a rat model, respectively.


RESULTS
Addition of glycerol significantly influenced the barrier and mechanical properties of the films. Water absorption capacity was in the range of 80%-160%, whereas water vapor transmission rate varied from 1,180 to 1,618 g/m2 per day. Both properties increased with increasing glycerol concentration. Tensile strength decreased while elongation at break increased with the addition of glycerol. O-C films were found to be noncytotoxic to human fibroblast cultures and histological examination proved that films are biocompatible.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that the membrane film from O-C has potential application as a wound-dressing material.
1 Industrial Biotechnology Research Center, SIRIM Berhad, Shah Alam, Selangor - Malaysia.
Zanariah
Z
Ujang
Ahmad Hazri
AH
Abdul Rashid
Siti Kasmarizawaty
SK
Suboh
Ahmad Sukari
AS
Halim
Chin Keong
CK
Lim
D065966:Absorption, Physicochemical; D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D048271:Chitosan; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009844:Oligosaccharides; D051381:Rats; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D014945:Wound Healing
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009844:Oligosaccharides; C493484:oligochitosan; D014867:Water; D002686:Chitin; D048271:Chitosan