Efficacy of biomaterials in burn treatment: Comparative study of collagen-derived membranes, hydrogel, and sponge in an animal model.

Abstract

Thermal burns are complex injuries that significantly impact morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of biomaterials, including collagen gel (CG), collagen sponge (CS), non-decellularized amniotic membrane (NAM), and decellularized amniotic membrane (DAM), in promoting wound healing in a rat burn model. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, CG, CS, NAM, and DAM. Burn wounds were induced using a heated metal rod, and treatments were applied accordingly. Histological and macroscopic analyses were conducted on days 7 and 14 post-burn to assess inflammation, proliferation of collagen fibers, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization. Statistical comparisons of wound healing parameters were performed. By day 7, the CS group showed significant fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, facilitating early-stage healing. However, the NAM group demonstrated superior angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation by day 14, with advanced dermal matrix organization and nearly complete epithelialization, including hair regrowth. DAM exhibited moderate proliferation of collagen fibers and angiogenesis but lagged NAM in epidermal regeneration. CG promoted re-epithelialization and vascular remodeling but was less effective than NAM. The control group showed delayed healing with limited repair markers. Overall, NAM was the most effective biomaterial, followed by CG, CS, and DAM. NAM emerged as the optimal treatment for burn healing, demonstrating superior efficacy in promoting angiogenesis, collagen organization, and epithelial regeneration. These findings underscore the potential of biological membranes in improving burn outcomes. Further human studies are warranted to validate these results and explore clinical applications.