Biogenic Collagen-Nano ZnO Composite Membrane as Potential Wound Dressing Material: Structural Characterization, Antibacterial Studies and In Vivo Wound Healing Studies

The practical applicability of collagen, a natural polymer, as a wound dressing material is hindered due to its reduced stability and poor mechanical strength. The present work demonstrates enhanced mechanical strength and improved bioactivity of biogenic nano-ZnO incorporated collagen membrane (nano-bio-composite membrane) compared to bare collagen membrane. Nano-ZnO was prepared by biogenic approach using pomegranate peel extract. Collagen was isolated from Labeo rohita fish scales by acid extraction method. Nano ZnO was incorporated into collagen membrane using melt casting method. The bio-composite membrane was characterized by XRD, SEM, color elemental mapping and FTIR. Agar well diffusion and disc diffusion methods were used to screen the antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. In vivo wound healing activity of the nano-bio-composite membrane was tested on Albino rats that were subjected to excisional and incisional wounds and results were compared with control and bare collagen membrane. Antibacterial activity of nano-bio-composite membranes against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were enhanced when compared to that of bare collagen membrane. The nano-bio-composite membrane exhibited enhanced wound healing activity on both incisional and excisional wounds. The nano-bio-composite membrane treated group exhibited higher wound contraction, enhanced rate of epithelialization and excellent tensile strength restoration of healing skin, which was comparable to that of standard group. The obtained results inferred the fabricated nano-bio-composite membrane, with enhanced bioactivity and mechanical strength, can be a potential dressing material for wound care.