Ficus Benjamina Leaves Derived Cellulose Scaffolds for Regeneration of Full Thickness Skin Wound in New Zealand White Rabbits

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to prepare Ficus benjamina leaves derived cellulose scaffolds by treatment with 5% SDS followed by incubation in 1% TnBP solution for 48h and finaly soaked in 4% NaOCl for 36h snd these scaffolds were evaluated the for regeneration of full thickness skin wound in New Zealand white rabbits. After general anesthesia and preperation of surgical site, the full thickness wounds were created on the dorsum and remained open, reconstructed with autograft, decellularized leaf scaffold and powdered decellularized leaf scaffold in group I, II, III and IV, respectively. The warmth of the wound area was significantly (P<0.05) increased on day 7, 14 and 21 in group I, II and III animals and on day 7 and 14 in group IV animals. However, warmth of the adjoining area was significantly (P<0.05) higher on day 7, 14 and 21 in group I and II, and on day 7 and 14 in group III and IV animals. On day 21, wound completely healed in group III and IV animals. A significant (P<0.05) increase in neutrophil counts after creation of wound and transplantation of scaffold was observed on day 7 in all the animals of different groups. Histopathological observations showed complete epithelization and organized collagen formation on day 28 in group III and IV. DAPI stained and SEM analysis of tissues also showed host tissue infiltration within the scaffold. It was concluded that the decellularized Ficus benjamina leaves scaffold can be used for regeneration of full thickness skin defects.