Clinical, thermographic, and tensiometric evaluation of rat cutaneous wounds treated with collagen gel associated with F18 bioactive glass.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of collagen gel with F18 bioactive glass (BG) in the healing of non-contaminated cutaneous wounds induced in healthy Wistar rats.

METHODS

One hundred twelve adult and healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 28): saline solution (0.9%); healing ointment based on allantoin and zinc oxide; collagen gel; and association of F18 BG powder and collagen gel. All the rats underwent the creation of a 3-cm diameter wound in their dorsal region. Macroscopic, thermographic, and tensiometric evaluations of the wound were performed.

RESULTS

The presence of granulation tissue varied significantly in and between the groups. The surface temperature assessed through thermography of wounds treated with saline solution (0.9%) increased significantly over time and between the groups. No difference was identified regarding tensiometry.

CONCLUSIONS

Collagen gel associated with F18 BG induced beneficial healing effects on non-contaminated cutaneous wounds in Wistar rats, which included the induction of increased blood perfusion as assessed through thermography.