Applications of nanotechnology have gained progressive interest for regeneration of injured wound tissue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based nanocerium on excisional and incisional wound models in rats. For excisional wound healing model, 24 male white Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups of 6 rats each: control group with creation of wounds and no treatment, PEG group with creation of wounds and dressing the wound with PEG, NanoCer group with application of 1 mL nanocerium on the wound, and PEG/NanoCer group with dressing the wound with PEG-based nanocerium. Wound size was measured on days 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 postsurgery. For incisional wound healing model, 24 healthy male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups of 6 rats each the same way in the excisional wound model. Reduction in wound area, hydroxyproline contents, and biomechanical parameters indicated that there was a significant difference (P > .05) between PEG/NanoCer and other groups. Biomechanical testing was performed on day 9 postsurgery in the incisional model. Biochemical and quantitative histological studies demonstrated that there was a significant difference (P > .05) between PEG/NanoCer and other groups. PEG/NanoCer offered potential advantages in wound healing acceleration and improvement through angiogenesis stimulation, fibroblast proliferation, and granulation tissue formation on early days of healing phases. Acceleration in wound repair was associated with earlier wound area reduction and enhanced tensile strength of damaged area by rearrangement of granulation tissue and collagen fibers. PEG-based nanocerium could have therapeutic benefits in wound healing.
Keywords: full-thickness wounds; nanocerium; polyethylene glycol; wound healing.