# Development of a Collagen–Cerium Oxide Nanohydrogel for Wound Healing: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

## TL;DR

A new collagen-cerium oxide hydrogel was developed and shown to accelerate wound healing in lab and animal tests.

## Contribution

A novel collagen–cerium oxide nanohydrogel was developed and validated for wound healing with antioxidant and pro-regenerative effects.

## Key findings

- The hydrogel formulations increased fibroblast proliferation and metabolic activity by 42–50% in vitro.
- Nanocomposites reduced DNA damage by up to 45% and provided protection against oxidative radicals.
- In vivo tests showed accelerated wound healing with reduced inflammation and improved tissue regeneration.

## Abstract

Background: Effective regenerative therapeutics for acute and chronic wounds remain a critical unmet need in biomedicine. Objectives: This study aimed to develop novel collagen–cerium oxide nanoparticle hydrogels designed to enhance cellular metabolism, proliferation, and antioxidant/antimutagenic activity, accelerating wound regeneration in vivo. Methods: Collagen–nanocerium composites were synthesized by combining a collagen extract with cerium oxide nanoparticles at defined concentrations. In vitro assays using human fibroblasts identified two formulations that enhanced proliferation and metabolic activity by 42–50%. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed chemical interactions within the composite matrix. Toxicity, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic effects were evaluated using Escherichia coli MG1655 lux-biosensors to assess their general toxicity, antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities, and antigenotoxic and promutagenic effects. In vivo efficacy was tested in Wistar rats with full-thickness skin wounds. Treated groups were compared to untreated controls and Dexpanthenol-treated positive controls. On days 3, 7, and 14, healing was assessed clinically, histologically, and morphometrically. Results: Biosensor analysis demonstrated non-toxicity and antigenotoxic activity of the nanocomposites, reduced DNA damage by up to 45%, providing 31–49% protection against H2O2 and 15–23% against O2− radicals. The animal study results demonstrated significantly accelerated healing with both nanocomposites versus control and comparison groups, evidenced by improved tissue regeneration, reduced inflammation, and increased fibroblast infiltration. Conclusions: The developed hydrogels exhibit promising pharmacological profiles, including antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative effects validated across in vitro and in vivo models.