High efficiency of fish collagen-based wound dressings proved by UNN researchers
Experiments on laboratory animals have confirmed the effectiveness of the wound dressings developed by scientists at the UNN Research Institute for Chemistry. Sponges made of hydrogel based on cod collagen accelerated the healing of thermal burns in rats. After 28 days of treatment, all the animals fully restored their damaged tissues and regrew their fur. The method proposed by Lobachevsky University scientists surpasses current analogs based on bovine collagen used in clinics in terms of the speed and quality of wound healing.
"Studies have shown that our materials based on cod collagen copolymers are more effective than common commercial dressings in all parameters. This is because fish collagen is closer in composition to human collagen than animal collagen. It easily integrates into skin tissues and stops bleeding faster. These films or sponges are convenient to use in field conditions: they do not need to be sterilised, as the dressings themselves protect against bacteria. Simply applying the dressing to the wound is sufficient. Their antifungal and antibacterial resistance has been established in laboratory conditions," explained Dr. Ludmila Semenycheva, the author of the study and head of the Petrochemical Research Laboratory at the UNN Research Institute for Chemistry.
Polymer sponge materials can be used to accelerate tissue regeneration in burns and trophic ulcers during medical rehabilitation, as well as in extreme conditions of military and sports medicine. The initial hydrogel for wound dressings is produced by modifying cod collagen using free radical processes to achieve a three-dimensional structure and stability. The formation of radicals is initiated using the authors' photocatalysis technology.
"This is a method of green chemistry. Radicals are formed and perform their function without heating or irradiation, under 'room' conditions with natural light. The photocatalyst substance not only generates radicals but also imparts sterilising properties to the hydrogel, helping the wound dressings combat pathogenic microorganisms. Once the hydrogel is obtained, it does not contain any impurities. The initiator is removed and can be reused," noted Ludmila Semenycheva.
Further experiments on laboratory animals will be continued to advance the technology for producing wound dressings based on fish collagen. The scientists' immediate plans include preparing wound-healing materials for use in veterinary practice. The project is supported financially by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation as part of the Priority-2030 programme. The latest findings on new polymer materials for regenerative medicine have been published in the reputable scientific journal Polymers.
