Wound healing performance of nanochitosan-based ointment derived from black soldier fly larvae exuviae: in vivo assay on Mus musculus L.

Wound healing is a complex process that is often hindered by infection and slow tissue regeneration, prompting research on novel biomaterials. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of a nanochitosan-based ointment derived from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) exuviae compared to chitosan-based and conventional treatments. Nanochitosan was synthesized using sodium tripolyphosphate, incorporated into ointments, and tested in vivo in 60 male mice with incision wounds over 15 days. Results showed nanochitosan ointment achieved 98.53% wound closure by day 15, significantly outperforming chitosan (96.77%), povidone iodine (85.53%), and Vaseline (73.10%) (p<0.05), with protein (182.29 μg/mg), hydroxyproline (352.67 μg/mg), and total DNA (3.77 μg/mg) levels indicating lower inflammation and advanced collagen remodelling. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the structural integrity and size of the nanochitosan. The conclusion highlights the potential of nanochitosan as a sustainable, effective wound-healing agent due to its small particle size, enhanced bioavailability, and antimicrobial activity. This study benefits biomedical fields by offering an eco-friendly alternative to crustacean-derived materials, reducing environmental impact while improving healing outcomes, with future research needed for clinical applications.