Development of a Chitosan and Autologous Cell-Based Implant for Cutaneous Wound Healing [English translation]

Cutaneous wounds represent a significant clinical challenge, particularly when their depth, structural organization, or disrupted local environment classify them as complex wounds requiring more specialized therapeutic strategies. In this context, biomater ials incorporating bioactive components such as chitosan, fibrinogen, and thrombin are attracting increasing interest. Chitosan provides hemostatic, antimicrobial, and pro-regenerative properties, while fibrinogen and thrombin enable the formation of a stabilizing fibrin matrix capable of supporting cell migration and guiding tissue repair. The addition of ionic fatty acid salts such as FASSmmw is also being explored to modulate the cutaneous environment and optimize regeneration. This thesis evaluates the potential of an implant combining chitosan, fibrinogen, and thrombin (CFT), used with or without autologous skin cells and/or FASSmmw, in a dorsal excisional wound model in rats. Six experimental conditions were compared, includin g different CFT formulations as well as cellular and non -cellular controls. Non-destructive mechanical testing and histological analyses performed on day 14 were used to assess re -epithelialization, granulation tissue organization, inflammation, vascularization, collagen maturation, and the mechanical properties of the healing skin. Wounds treated with the CFT matrix exhibited more advanced re-epithelialization, improved granulation tissue organization, and a more mature tissue structure than the controls, regardless of the addition of cells or FASSmmw. Although collagen remained immature and several aspects of remodeling were still incomplete, the mechanical properties of treated tissues approached those of native skin, indicating early functional recovery. This thesis, presented in the form of a scientific article, therefore highlights the potential of the CFT platform to support cutaneous regeneration. However, assessing its effectiveness in truly complex wound settings will require additional studies, particularly in more severe models or those exhibiting altered physiopathological conditions, in order to confirm and extend its therapeutic potential