Investigating the skin wound healing potential of biodegradable polymers PDLLA and PLLA in zebrafish

Wen-Wei Feng; Minh-Quan Tran; Chuan-Yuan Lin; Jui-Yu Lin; Hsiu-Chao Chen; Chun-Chia Huang; Chih-Hsin Hung; Szu-Wei Huang; Chung-Der Hsiao

doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118292

Investigating the skin wound healing potential of biodegradable polymers PDLLA and PLLA in zebrafish

Biomed Pharmacother. 2025 Jun 24:189:118292. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118292. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Wen-Wei Feng¹, Minh-Quan Tran², Chuan-Yuan Lin³, Jui-Yu Lin⁴, Hsiu-Chao Chen⁵, Chun-Chia Huang⁶, Chih-Hsin Hung⁷, Szu-Wei Huang⁸, Chung-Der Hsiao⁹

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan; Department of Dermatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; Dr. Feng's Dermatology Clinic, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan. Electronic address: wwfeng@ntu.edu.tw.
² Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, 320314, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan. Electronic address: minhquan0141@gmail.com.
³ Li-An Medical Clinic, 4F., No. 267, Lequn 2nd Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei 104452, Taiwan. Electronic address: linchuanyuan@doctortou.com.
⁴ Li-An Medical Clinic, 4F., No. 267, Lequn 2nd Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei 104452, Taiwan. Electronic address: facialplasty@gmail.com.
⁵ Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan; Dr. Feng's Dermatology Clinic, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan. Electronic address: hsiuchsochen@gmail.com.
⁶ Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 600023, Taiwan. Electronic address: justin55823@gmail.com.
⁷ Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan. Electronic address: chhung@isu.edu.tw.
⁸ Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 600023, Taiwan. Electronic address: holancat@mail.ncyu.edu.tw.
⁹ Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, 320314, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan; Research Center for Aquatic Toxicology and Pharmacology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan. Electronic address: cdhsiao@cycu.edu.tw.

PMID: 40570709
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118292

Abstract

Wound healing research has advanced with biodegradable polymers as a promising treatment, especially for chronic wounds. Zebrafish offer a cost-effective, regenerative, and human-relevant model for real-time, reproducible skin repair studies. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of biodegradable polymers, PLLA (poly-l-lactic acid) and PDLLA (poly-D, L lactic acid), in promoting skin wound healing in zebrafish, while understanding their mechanisms of action at the cellular and molecular levels. Using a laser-based ablation method, which provides precision and reproducibility, skin wounds are created in zebrafish and treated with these polymers to test their wound closure-promoting efficacy. The healing process was monitored by capturing the dynamic change of skin wound size and further analyzed through molecular techniques to evaluate key biomarker genes that are important for collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Additionally, a comprehensive biosafety assessment of PDLLA and PLLA is conducted to ensure their biocompatibility and safety for therapeutic applications. Results showed that usage of PLLA and PDLLA, especially when they were combined, significantly enhanced the wound healing process in zebrafish. Overall, this study highlighted the effectiveness of PLLA and PDLLA in enhancing skin wound healing, providing valuable insights into their mechanisms and paving the way for future research and clinical applications in human wound care.

Keywords: Laser ablation; PDLLA; PLLA; Wound healing; Zebrafish.