Effective Dressing: Development of N-Carboxyethyl Chitosan/Oxidized Locust Bean Gum Scaffolds

This study aimed to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the wound healing activity of scaffolds based on N-carboxyethyl chitosan (NCEC) and oxidized locust bean gum (LBGO) synthesized through the Schiff base reaction. NCEC was prepared by Michael addition reaction, and LBGO (degrees of oxidation: 10, 30, and 50%) was synthesized using sodium periodate. These reactions were confirmed by using spectroscopic and titrimetric techniques. The scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying and characterized regarding morphology, porosity, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and wound healing activity. The spectroscopic and titrimetric data demonstrated that the chemical modifications of chitosan and locust bean gum were successfully carried out, as well as the formation of the Schiff base to obtain the scaffolds. The biomaterials presented a porous appearance, with empty spaces ranging from 37 to 76%, whose pores had diameters between 73 and 268 μm. Swelling capacity increased with the increase in the degree of oxidation of LBGO (2300-3600%), indicating that this parameter is capable of modulating the morphology and mechanical properties of the biomaterial, which was able to maintain its structure for 28 days in the in vitro degradation study. Cytotoxicity assays using L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated that all scaffolds were nontoxic (cell viability between 98 and 82%), confirming their biocompatibility. In vivo assay showed that scaffolds accelerate the healing process, increase the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, and attenuate tissue oxidative stress by reducing the levels of pro-oxidant mediators. This study demonstrates that NCEC/LBGO scaffolds are effective biomaterials for wound dressing applications.