Efeitos cicatrizantes de membranas de gelatina contendo β-cariofileno em feridas cutâneas induzidas em ratos

Abstract

Skin wound healing is a complex biological process involving inflammatory, proliferative, and tissue remodeling events. The search for biomaterials capable of modulating these phases and accelerating tissue repair has motivated the development of new therapeutic approaches. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the healing effect of bioactive gelatin membranes containing β-caryophyllene (GEL/β-CEF) in an experimental model of excisional skin wound in rodents. The membranes were obtained by incorporating the bioactive compound into the gelatin polymeric matrix, presenting adequate macroscopic characteristics such as homogeneity, flexibility, and absence of structural defects. The animals were distributed into three experimental groups: no intervention (SI), treated with gelatin membrane (GEL), and treated with gelatin membrane containing β-caryophyllene (GEL/β-CEF). The wounds were evaluated at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days post-surgery using macroscopic, histomorphological, and semi-quantitative analyses. The results demonstrated that treatment with GEL/β-CEF significantly reduced the residual wound area, especially at 7, 14, and 21 days, when compared to the control groups. Histomorphological analysis revealed early modulation of the inflammatory response, with decreased leukocyte infiltrate, faster progression to the proliferative phase, increased granulation tissue formation, fibroblastic proliferation, organized deposition of collagen fibers, and accelerated re- epithelialization. In the final periods, improved tissue organization and the presence of cutaneous appendages were observed, indicating more efficient repair closer to the architecture of intact skin. It is concluded that bioactive gelatin membranes containing β-caryophyllene showed a significant healing effect, acting in the modulation of inflammation and in the acceleration of reparative events, thus configuring themselves as a promising strategy for the treatment of cutaneous wounds by secondary intention.