Tissue Regeneration After Thermal Burns Using Chitosan Derivatives: An Experimental Study

Vollständiger Abstract

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Thermal burns represent a serious clinical challenge due to extensive tissue damage, high susceptibility to microbial contamination, prolonged inflammatory response, and delayed regenerative processes. The development of multifunctional wound-healing agents combining antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties remains a priority in experimental and clinical medicine. Chitosan and its derivatives are natural polysaccharide-based biopolymers characterized by biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and pronounced biological activity, including antimicrobial, hemostatic, and tissue-regenerative effects. The present experimental study aimed to investigate the regenerative potential and prolonged antimicrobial, osmotic, and adsorptive properties of chitosan derivatives in the treatment of third-degree thermal burns. The experiment was performed on 40 white outbred male rats with standardized full-thickness thermal burns. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: (1) chitosan-furacilin composition, (2) chitosan derivative alone, (3) Levomekol ointment (reference treatment), and (4) physiological saline (control). Treatment was administered topically under standardized conditions. Wound healing dynamics were evaluated by planimetric measurement of wound area and assessment of epithelialization rates on days 3, 7, and 10 post-injury. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significantly accelerated wound contraction and epithelialization in the chitosan-treated groups compared to both control and reference therapy groups (p < 0.05). The chitosan-furacilin composition showed the most pronounced regenerative and antimicrobial effect, indicating a synergistic action. The results confirm that chitosan derivatives enhance reparative processes, reduce inflammatory manifestations, and improve overall wound healing dynamics. These findings suggest that chitosan-based formulations represent promising therapeutic agents for the management of thermal burn injuries and warrant further experimental and clinical investigation.