Nano-calcium incorporated piscean collagen scaffolds: potential wound dressing material

Background Collagen proteins extracted from piscean sources are alternatives to bovine and porcine collagen because of their abundance, low price, and skin compatibility and are being explored as suitable wound dressing materials. Intracellular calcium ions are crucial for wound healing, and studies have shown that calcium ion supplementation via an external medium is equally beneficial for speedy recovery. This study explores the wound healing potential of dressing materials that encompass the benefits of nano-calcium and piscean collagen. Nano-calcium sulphate (NCS)-integrated scaffolds were prepared with 100 ppm of NCS and varying concentrations of piscean collagen and HPMC E15 LV. The thickness, tensile strength, folding endurance, pH, expansion profile, and moisture vapour transmission properties of the scaffolds were determined. An in vitro scratch assay and an excision rat wound model were employed to evaluate the wound healing properties of the scaffolds. Results The NCS particles had a mean particle size of 220.7 nm. The scaffolds demonstrated an acceptable thickness, mechanical strength, and flexibility. The scratch assay results revealed that at the end of 24 h of the study, there was an increased wound closure rate with collagen scaffolds in contrast to the control group. In the vivo wound healing studies, formulation CS6 showed 100.0% healing on day 12 as compared to other formulations. Conclusions Wounds treated with scaffolds contracted faster than those treated with a commercial collagen dressing and the control group. The current study thus demonstrates the wound healing ability of nano-calcium sulphate-incorporated piscean collagen scaffolds.