Use of Nano-Collagen Creams Extracted from Catfish Skin in Treatment of Second-Degree Skin Burns in Rabbits

Abstract Second-degree burns typically require a longer healing period and can develop hypertrophic scars. Collagen plays a crucial role in treating and healing skin wounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of topically applied nano-collagen extracted from catfish skin on rabbit burn wounds by assessing the production of collagen and the development of fibroblasts in the healing wounds. The nano-collagen material was produced in two stages by using NaOH and alcohol solutions in the first, and acetic acid solution in the second phase. The viscous solution obtained in this process was adjusted to a specific pH, was centrifuged, and was mixed with Vaseline before being lyophilized. Thirty skin samples from burn wounds were obtained from blemish-free rabbits. Each rabbit was treated by inflicting a 50 mm 2 burn wound on the back. They were divided into three subgroups: a control group (G1, n=10) without wound treatment, a group topically treated with nano-collagen cream on daily basis for one week (G2, n=10) and a group treated by sewing catfish skin onto their wounds (G3, n=10). Measurements were taken daily during the first week to monitor any possible post-burn contractions. G2 had significantly lowest wound diameter after 7 days of treatment (35.00±1.21 mm). It had significantly the lowest wound contraction (8.200±0.042 kg/cm 2 ) on 21 days of the treatment and had higher observable vascularization and development of hair follicles in the wounds compared to the other groups. In conclusion, the topical application of catfish skin nano-collagen cream significantly reduces second-degree burn wounds in rabbits and improves the healing process.