Exploring Nanofibers and Hydrogels as Collagenase Carriers for the Development of Advanced Wound Dressings

Abstract

Collagenase acts by promoting wound debridement, contributing to the tissue repair process. Several studies pointed collagenase as a substance involved in the elimination of devitalized tissue or any contaminated material found in the wound bed after the appearance of a lesion or skin burn. In the present work hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/cyclodextrins hydrogels and polycaprolactone nanofibers with the ability to transport collagenase for the treatment of skin lesions, were synthesized and characterized. The collagenase polymeric carriers showed good physicochemical properties and presented the ability to retain the enzyme in its structure. Moreover, the PCL carriers did not display cytotoxic effect on human skin fibroblasts. Controlled release and in vitro diffusion studies revealed a slow release of active collagenase confirming the ability of the new systems to be used as carriers’ devices in the treatment of skin lesions.