NANOCLAY/CHITOSAN/COLLAGEN NANOCOMPOSITES FOR CHRONIC WOUNDS: CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VITRO CELL EVALUATION

Daiana Ianev – PhD Student, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia; Caterina Valentino – Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia; Barbara Vigani – Researcher/Proffesor, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia; Pablo José Hernández Benavides – Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Granada; Silvia Rossi – Full Professor, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia; Carola Aguzzi – Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Granada

Introduction:

Chronic skin wounds require therapeutic materials that provide structural support while modulating the local healing environment. Chitosan (CHI) and hydrolyzed collagen (HCL) are widely recognized for their regenerative properties [1], while nanoclays, including bentonite (BNT) and sepiolite (SPT), can enhance mechanical performance and support cell adhesion and proliferation [2]. In this context, a nanocomposite strategy based on the integration of CHI/HCL blends with BNT and SPT was proposed. This organic–inorganic design was intended to promote interfacial interactions and the formation of resilient, interconnected multifunctional scaffolds for advanced skin regeneration.