Beneficial Effects of Ag-Exchanged Zeolite Nanocomposite on Excisional Wound in Rats

Objective-The aim of this study was to investigate the healing effects of Ag+- zeolite/gelatin nanocomposite on excisional wound healing in rat animal model. Design-Experimental study Animals-Eighteen male Sprague-Dawly rats weighing 200-220g Procedure- Ag+- zeolite/gelatin nanocomposite was fabricated by sol-gel method, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. MTT assay and antimicrobial activity evaluation of the nanocomposite were performed. Under general anesthesia, a full thickness wound measuring 1.5×1.5 cm was created on dorsal area of each rat. The animals were equally and randomly divided into three groups of 6 each i.e. group I (0.9% sodium chloride), group II (gelatin – treated) and group III (nanocomposite –treated). The solutions and the formulation were applied topically on the wound once daily for 14 days. Photograph of each wound was taken on days 0,3,6,9,12 and 14 post wound creation. The area of wound was determined planimetrically. At 14 days, animals euthanized and skin samples were taken to histopathologicl evaluation (H&E staining). Results- In this work, we successfully prepared Ag+- zeolite/gelatin nanocomposite. The prepared nanocomposite showed antimicrobial activity due to Ag ion-exchanging. The results indicate nanocomposite is safe up to 0.1 mg/ml of Ag+- zeolite/gelatin nanocomposite. Nanocomposite treated group exhibited enchantment of wound closure and accelerate wound healing time (p<0.05). Furthermore, nanocomposite treated group showed higher neovascularization and collagen content and faster regrowth of epidermis in repair area compared to other groups. Conclusion and clinical relevance- In conclusion, biocompatible Ag+- zeolite/gelatin nanocomposite might have great application for open and full thickness wound healing.