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. Conclusion: 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.