Multicomponent decellularized extracellular matrix of caprine small intestine submucosa based bioactive hydrogel promoting full-thickness burn wound healing in rabbits

Effective treatment for full-thickness burn wounds has remained challenging for clinicians. Among various strategies, extracellular gel-based dressing materials have gained attention to promote effective and rapid wound healing. These gel-based materials are porous and have antioxidant, antibacterial, hydrophilic, biodegradation, and biocompatible properties and hence can be used to alleviate burn wound healing. In concurrence with these findings, the present study evaluates thermo-responsive and self-assembled decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of caprine small intestine submucosa (DG-SIS) gel-based dressing material for burn wound healing. To expedite healing and efficiently tackle excessive free radicals and bioburden at the burn wound site, DG-SIS gel is fortified with antibacterial components (zinc oxide nanoparticles; ZnO) and a potent antioxidant agent (Vitamin-C;Vt-C). ZnO- and Vt-C-enriched DG-SIS (DG-SIS/ZnO/Vt-C) gels significantly increased the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the therapeutic hydrogel. Additionally, the fabricated DG-SIS/ZnO/Vt-C bioactive gel resulted in significant full-thickness burn wound contraction (97.75 % in 14 days), a lower inflammatory effect, and enhanced angiogenesis with the highest collagen synthesis (1.22 μg/mg in 14 days) at the wound site. The outcomes from this study demonstrate a synergistic effect of ZnO/Vt-C in the bioactive gel as an effective and inexpensive therapeutic approach for full-thickness burn wound treatment.