Enhancement of Wound Healing in Rabbits Using Chitosan Nonwoven Sheets: A Comparative Study of Efficacy and Tissue Response

Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, is known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity, making it an excellent candidate for use in pharmaceutical and medical applications. This study investigated the efficacy of chitosan nonwoven material (NMS) sheets in accelerating wound healing in rabbits. Twenty clinically healthy native rabbits underwent surgery with 1 × 1 cm² excisional wounds on the thoracic region at the right side on their backs and then rabbits were divided into two equal groups, a group received chitosan NMS sheets as wound dressings (chitosan treated group), and a control group that received normal saline. Both wounded groups were evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically at 7-, and 14-days post-wound induction. The results indicated that chitosan NMS sheets significantly enhanced wound healing, evidenced by improved re-epithelization and reduced wound size. By day 14, wounds treated with chitosan showed complete epithelial closure, whereas control wounds were slower to heal and exhibited scabbing. The chitosan-treated wounds had fewer inflammatory cells, more collagen, and fibrin, and increased fibroblast and capillary density in comparison with the control group. These results suggested that chitosan promotes granulation tissue formation and wound organization, making it a valuable material for managing large open wounds in animals. In conclusion, chitosan NMS accelerates wound healing and is recommended for clinical use due to its effectiveness and ease of application.