Date of Defense

Spring 4-28-2008

Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract

Chitosan, a polymer derived from the deactylation of chitin has been shown to markedly accelerate and improve the wound healing process. In order to learn more about the effects of chitosan on skin wounds in rats, we designed an experiment that would give quantitative measruements directly correlated with the wound healing process. Skin biopsies were performed on Sprague Dawley rats and different forms of chitosan were applied to the wounds. After specific time points, the animals were euthanized, and standardized samples of the wounds were taken, fixed and stained for histological evaluation. The amount of new collagen, angiogensis, the epithelial coverage (wound closure), and the presence of inflammatory cells were all evaluated. This paper discusses the results found on the process of collagen deposition and new blood vessel formation. The results wshowed a statistical difference between the baseline study animals and the experimental groups. The application of chitosan on the wound caused an increase production of collagen, and an increase in the amount of new blood vessels formed during healing. These results indicate that chitosan induces an increase in angiogenesis and results in increased deposition of collagen at day 21.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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