Simple fabrication of a chitin wound healing membrane from Soft-Shell crab carapace

Abstract A chitin wound healing membrane was extracted and minimally processed from soft-shell crab carapace, a fabrication method simpler than the conventional process of chemically modifying chitin into more soluble and bioactive derivatives. We observed an interesting difference between the topography of the membrane’s internal and external surface, which correlated with their different abilities to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. The internal surface was dotted with prickles where cells could adhere and elongate, while the smooth external surface demonstrated poor cell adhesion and proliferation. Applying the internal surface of the membrane onto the wound improved the epidermis surface homogeneity and accelerated epidermis-dermis re-attachment. This membrane also showed an excellent tensile strength of 105.7 ± 29.9 MPa and ultimate strain of 6.5 ± 4.2%, higher than those of common wound healing membranes from cellulose, and collagen. These results showed the ability of chitin membranes from soft-shell crab carapaces to support cell attachment, proliferation, and migration and its potential for further wound healing applications.