The potential of graphene oxide in the treatment of experimental chronic wounds

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26641/1997-9665.2025.3.129-136

Keywords:

graphene oxide, skin, chronic wounds, histology.

Abstract

Despite numerous studies, the issue of wound healing remains highly relevant in global medical practice due to the need for accessible and effective agents that accelerate this process. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using graphene oxide in the treatment of experimental chronic wounds in rats compared to traditional methods. Methods. The study was conducted on 60 Wistar rats weighing 150–200 g, which were equally divided into six groups: in group 1, a paraffin mesh dressing was applied to the wound defect; in group 2, a polyurethane sponge; in group 3, a hydrogel dressing; in group 4, graphene oxide combined with a paraffin mesh dressing; in group 5, graphene oxide + polyurethane sponge; in group 6, graphene oxide + hydrogel dressing. Tissue samples were collected on days 3, 6 and 9. Results. Planimetric assessment on day 3 of wound healing demonstrated the smallest wound defect area was in group 4. In all groups, absence of epidermis and scab formation in the defect zone were noted. With traditional treatment methods, skin layers were not differentiated, and necrotic tissue infiltrated with segmented neutrophils was present beneath the scab. In contrast, the use of graphene oxide accelerated wound closure and improved the histological pattern at the defect site. The relative stromal edema area in groups 4–6 decreased by 10–15.6% compared to groups 1–3, accompanied by an increase in the relative granulation tissue area by 6–12 % and the relative dermal vascular area by 6–8.6%. By day 9, epithelialization predominated in all groups. In group 4, the wound defect area was the smallest among all treatment groups and twice as small as in group 1. Notably, the relative stromal edema area markedly decreased. Conclusions. Already by day 3, graphene oxide demonstrated a positive effect in groups 4–6 compared with traditional treatments. This trend intensified by day 9, with the most favorable outcomes observed following the combined application of paraffin mesh dressing and graphene oxide. This combination significantly accelerated wound epithelialization, normalized cutaneous microcirculation, and enhanced reparative processes, as evidenced by the smallest wound defect area among all treatment groups and the greatest reduction in the relative stromal edema area, accompanied by increases in the relative granulation tissue area and the relative dermal vascular area.

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Published

2025-10-30

How to Cite

Ryziuk , N., & Ryziuk , M. (2025). The potential of graphene oxide in the treatment of experimental chronic wounds. Морфологія / Morphologia / Morfologìâ, 19(3), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.26641/1997-9665.2025.3.129-136

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Статті

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