The Role of a Biological Membrane in Healing Full-Thickness Cutaneous Wounds in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness wounds pose significant healing challenges due to their reduced regenerative capacity and prolonged inflammation. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the healing potential of decellularized amniotic membrane (AM) as a biological dressing for the treatment of full-thickness cutaneous wounds. METHODS: In this study, 18 healthy rats were evenly distributed between the control and treatment groups. A 3 × 3 cm full-thickness wound was made on the dorsal side of the back. The treated group received decellularized ovine amniotic membrane (OAM). This membrane was then applied to the affected area. The control group, however, did not get any treatment at all. The animals were euthanized at 7, 14, and 21 days after the operation so the histological analysis could be conducted. RESULT: Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the decellularized AM had a uniformly smooth surface, whereas the undecellularized AM appeared to contain organic and cellular material, resulting in a rougher surface. Histological and macroscopic examinations revealed that the treated group healed wounds more quickly than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The biological membrane can induce tissue re-epithelialization, stimulate collagen synthesis, reduce inflammatory reactions, and prevent immunological rejection, making it an attractive, biocompatible scaffold and a promising option in regenerative medicine.