A hydrogel containing exocellular (1 → 6)-β-D-glucan (lasiodiplodan, LAS) was developed and its wound healing potential was evaluated. β-Glucans have attracted much interest by the cosmetic industry sector because of their bioactive and functional properties and in promoting skin health. In the present work an β-glucan was studied as a healing biomaterial that has not hitherto been reported in the scientific literature. LAS produced by the ascomycete Lasiodiplodia theobromae MMPI was used in the formulation of a healing hydrogel. Physicochemical and microbiological quality parameters, antioxidant potential and stability of the formulation was evaluated. FTIR, thermal analysis and SEM techniques were also employed in the characterization. Wistar rats were used as a biological model to investigate the wound healing potential. Histological analyses of cutaneous tissue from the dorsal region were conducted after 4, 7, 10 and 14 days of treatment, and evaluated re-epithelialization, cell proliferation and collagen production. Physicochemical stability, microbiological quality and antioxidant potential, especially in relation to its ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals were found. The hydrogel stimulated cell re-epithelialization and proliferation during all days of the treatment, and stimulated an increase of collagen fibers. Lasiodiplodan showed immunomodulatory activity in wound healing and this biomacromolecule could be an alternative compound in wound care.
Keywords: Collagen synthesis; Exopolysaccharide; Lasiodiplodia theobromae MMPI; Re-epithelialization.
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