# Influence of Propolis-Containing Nonwoven PLGA Dressings on Dermatan and Chondroitin Sulfate Dynamics During Burn-Wound Healing

## TL;DR

This study shows that dressings made with propolis and a biodegradable polymer can boost healing in burn wounds by increasing important molecules in the skin's structure.

## Contribution

The novelty is demonstrating that propolis-containing PLGA dressings modulate glycosaminoglycan dynamics during burn wound healing.

## Key findings

- Propolis-containing PLGA dressings increased dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate content in burn wounds.
- The effect was stronger with 10 wt% propolis compared to 5 wt%.
- These findings suggest enhanced extracellular matrix remodeling in treated wounds.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Burn wounds are complex injuries associated with extensive inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) damage, and a high risk of impaired tissue remodeling and scarring. Modern wound dressings are expected not only to protect the wound bed but also to actively support the healing process. Biodegradable polymer-based nonwoven dressings incorporating natural bioactive compounds, such as propolis, may favorably influence wound repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of propolis-containing biodegradable, nonwoven poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) dressings on the dynamics of dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate content during burn-wound healing. Methods: The present study investigated temporal alterations in sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including dermatan and chondroitin sulfates, during the healing of experimentally induced burn wounds in white domestic pigs treated with biodegradable, nonwoven poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) dressings containing 5 wt% or 10 wt% of propolis. Control tissue samples were obtained from wounds treated with physiological saline or nonwoven PLGA dressings without propolis. Quantitative analysis of GAG content was performed on days 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 21 of the healing process using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical differences between groups were assessed by one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Propolis-containing biodegradable nonwoven PLGA dressings significantly increased dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate content in the burn wound bed compared to control treatments. The effect was observed at multiple time points and was more pronounced for dressings containing 10 wt% of propolis than for those containing 5 wt%. Conclusions: Biodegradable nonwoven PLGA dressings incorporating propolis modulate glycosaminoglycan dynamics during burn-wound healing, indicating enhanced extracellular matrix remodeling and supporting their potential use as bioactive burn wound dressings.