Assement off a starch-chitosan-Pluronic F127 film with potential for use as scaffold for a skin subsitute.

Abstract

Introduction. Burns are considered one of the most devastating and prevalent causes of trauma worldwide. Skin substitutes are ideal for treating burn wounds, facilitating the wound healing process, and reducing pain in shorter timeframes. Skin substitutes are applied to prevent bacterial contamination, administer antibiotics, absorb wound exudate, and provide a moist environment necessary for optimal healing. Therefore, they have become a topic of great interest. Objective. We propose to analyze the absorption and cytocompatibility levels of a biodegradable film based on starch, chitosan, and Pluronic F127 for use as a scaffold for a skin substitute. Methodology. The starch solution was prepared at 5% (w/v), chitosan at 1% (w/v) in a 1% (v/v) aqueous acetic acid solution, and Pluronic F127 in distilled water at concentrations of 3% and 5% (w/v). The morphology of the films was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The degree of liquid absorption of the polymeric films was also evaluated. Finally, a viability assay was performed using dermal fibroblasts to determine cytocompatibility. Results: We found that the films made solely with the biopolymers corn starch and chitosan exhibited a smooth and homogeneous appearance, without pores or surface cracks, and displayed a surface with circular patterns throughout the sample. This effect decreased when the Pluronic F127 content was increased from 3% to 5% in the film formulation, resulting in more homogeneous surfaces. While the absorption analysis showed that films with 3% and 5% Pluronic F127 rapidly absorbed the liquid (1 hour) and reached absorption equilibrium after 48 hours. Regarding cell viability analysis, we observed that the film with the 5% Pluronic concentration maintained dermal fibroblast viability for up to 7 days; however, these films proved brittle. Discussion and Conclusion: It has been reported that in burn injuries, exudate should be absorbed by the wound dressing membrane to improve wound healing and prevent infection. Our results show that polymeric films composed of starch, chitosan, and Pluronic F127 maintain dermal fibroblast viability for up to 7 days. We propose adding glycerol to the films to improve their resistance to handling.