Therapeutic potential of Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) ion-doped bioactive glass-based fish collagen-carrageenan biomatrix in tissue remodeling of burn wounds.

Burn injuries are a major global public health crisis and pose significant problems with limited treatment options due to poor angiogenesis and antimicrobial resistance. To overcome these challenges, a new composite comprising fish collagen (waste-derived), carrageenan, and bioactive glass doped with Zn and/or Mn was developed. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups, while XRD patterns indicate the degree of crystallinity in the formulations. The composite hydrogels are highly hemocompatible, with a hemolysis index of <1%. SEM and EDX analyses revealed a mesoporous surface in composite films containing bioactive glass nanoparticles (Zn and/or Mn). Dual-doped bioactive glass enhances the formulation's antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The cell viability assays (MTT and FDA) confirm the non-toxicity of the composite gels on human dermal fibroblasts. In vivo assessment in an animal burn wound model with dual doping of Mn and Zn shows accelerated wound contraction, consistent fibroblast proliferation, minimal inflammation, advanced collagen organization, and epithelial regeneration. The results are further correlated with elastin production and immunohistochemical analysis for CD31 and collagen type-1, inferring promising wound-healing activity. This research showcases a smart, innovative, and powerful approach to developing advanced hydrogel dressings for treating burn wounds and complicated skin injuries.