Comparative Histological Assessment of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Low-Power Laser Treatment at 810nm Wavelength on the Recovery of Second-Degree Burn Wounds in Rat Models

Abstract

Background: The utilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles is thought to augment wound healing because of their antibacterial characteristics and capacity to stimulate cellular regeneration, especially in instances of minor burn injuries. On the other hand, it has been shown that tissue regeneration is aided by low-power laser therapy via photobiomodulation. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and low-power laser therapy are the two therapeutic modalities that will be compared in this study in order to assess how well they promote healing after burn injury and provide important new information on improved wound care techniques. Methods: For this investigation, thirty male Wistar rats weighing 230 ± 25 grams each were split into three groups. Every rat received general anesthesia before the experiment. A stainless-steel rod was put to the rats’ skin after being heated for 20 min in a boiling water bath to cause superficial second-degree burns. The control group functioned as a reference point for comparison and did not receive any treatment intervention. Over the course of a week, zinc oxide nanoparticles were applied topically to the second group. For one week, the third group received daily therapy with a diode laser at a dosage of 10 J/cm. ¹ Histological and clinical exams were performed after the therapy period to evaluate the impact of the therapies. Results: The experimental groups that received low-power laser therapy (third group) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (second group) showed a substantial increase in wound contraction in relation to the control group, based on macroscopic observations. One rat from the second group showed notable indications of full wound healing on day 21. The treated rats showed the highest rate of lesion contraction, indicating that wound treatment happened at least 7 days faster in these rats than in the other groups. After 21 days, the third group's epidermis fully epithelized and formed a layer of keratinization. Furthermore, there was enhanced angiogenesis and significant fibroblast proliferation; large-scale fibrosis was also commonly seen. Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles promoted wound healing and accelerated connective tissue regeneration faster than other groups when applied to second-degree superficial burns. This research implies that the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles may be a therapeutic approach that shows promise for treating burn injuries and improving patient outcomes.