Preparation of Bioactive Polyamide Fibres Modified with Acetanilide and Copper Sulphate.

This paper presents a simple method of obtaining polyamide 6 fibres modified with acetanilide and copper ions. During the spinning of the fibres with the additives applied, a partial reduction of CuSO4 to Cu2+ and Cu+ ions occurs, which is observed as a change in the blue colour of the prepared polyamide granulate to the grey-brown colour of the formed fibres. CuMPs obtained as a result of the salt reduction should give the obtained fibres bioactive properties. Three types of microorganisms were selected to assess the microbiological activity of the obtained fibres, i.e., Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The fibres have antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The largest inhibition zones were obtained for the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 mm, depending on the concentration of CuMPs. The morphology of the fibres' surfaces was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The changes in the polymer structure chemistry are studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray structure studies (WAXS and SAXS) and an energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The newly obtained bioactive polyamide fibres can be used in many areas, including medicine, clothing and environmental protection for the production of filters.

Lipid bands of approx. 1740 cm-1 as spectral biomarkers and image of tissue oxidative stress.

Studies with the use of FTIR and FTR methods to find spectroscopic biomarkers within the 1740 cm-1 band of pathological tissues found that oxidative stress, including damage to epidermis and structural changes in pathological amnion and placenta tissue, are associated with the occurrence of products of lipid peroxidation and have impact on fluidity and transport function of membranes. In particular, the findings show that the absence of a marker lipid band of approx. 1743 cm-1 and the occurrence of a minimum of 1764 cm-1 (FTIR) and 1734 cm-1 (FTR) testify to the integrity and absence of damage in the allogeneic dermis, while the presence the 1743 or 1747 cm-1 bands indicates denaturation of the thermally or electrically burned epidermis. The absence of a marker lipid band of approx. 1736-1740 cm-1 for a healthy placental and amniotic tissue and the presence of a band of 1740 cm-1 indicate placental gestosis, while the presence of a band of 1742 cm-1 indicates hypotrophy. The 1738 cm-1 bands indicate amniotic macrosomia. Structural changes caused by tissue modification with antioxidants, which were observed on individual samples: the L-ascorbic acid (presence of a lipid band marker at a frequency of 1755 cm-1), sodium ascorbate (disappearance of the marker band), orthosilicic acid (disappearance or decrease in the intensity of the marker band with a decrease in the concentration of the modifier), as well as graphene oxide (separation of the marker lipid band of 1755 cm-1), inform us about the effect of modifiers on the tissue repair process. The studies also tracked spectral changes identified in serum. Withing the range of the lipid band and the amide I and II bands (α â†’ ß conversion), there are clear differences between normal and pathological serum lyophilisates and a sample analyzed from the solution.

Poly(sodium acrylate)-Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles for Separation of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solutions.

Two types of magnetite nanoparticles: unmodified (Fe3O4 NPs), and modified with poly(sodium acrylate) (Fe3O4/PSA NPs) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and characterized using different techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) adsorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, magnetic properties and the effect of pH on the zeta potential were analyzed for both types of nanoparticles. Magnetites were used as adsorbents for seven heavy metal ions (Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI)) within the pH range of 3-7. Research revealed nanometric particle sizes, a specific surface area of 140-145 m2/g, and superparamagnetic properties of both tested materials. Moreover, the presence of PSA functional groups in modified magnetite was confirmed, which lowered the pH of the isoelectric point. Both types of magnetite were effective metal ion adsorbents, with metal cations more effectively removed on Fe3O4/PSA NPs and Cr(VI) anions on Fe3O4 NPs. The adsorption of most of the examined cations (performed at pH = 5) can be well described by the Langmuir isotherm model, whereas the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions on modified magnetite correlated better with the Freundlich model. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model confirmed that chemisorption is the predominant process. The adsorption of all metal ions was well-characterized by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

Preparation of an Active Dressing by In Situ Biosynthesis of a Bacterial Cellulose-Graphene Oxide Composite.

This paper presents a simple method of obtaining a bacterial cellulose (BC) composite with the addition of graphene oxide (GO) using an in situ method and studies the influence of GO nanoparticles on the structure and properties of the obtained membranes. Microorganisms obtained from Golden Delicious apple vinegar were used to obtain the BC. During the biosynthesis, GO was introduced in the amounts of 3.7, 5.4 and 7.1% w/w. The resulting BC/GO composite was characterized by high water content (~400%), a thickness of about 1.1 mm (in wet form) and a cellulose nanofiber diameter of ~100 nm. The possibility of using the resulting composite membranes as potential active dressings with the sustained-release analgesic medicine-paracetamol-was investigated. The BC/GO composite membranes were characterized by a medicine sorption of 60 mg/g of BC, a slow desorption time, a constant medicine concentration over time and an 80% paracetamol release rate after 24 h. The morphology of membrane surfaces and cross-sections were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray structure studies (WAXS) as well as thermal analysis (TGA) demonstrated the presence of GO in the BC matrix and interactions between the matrix and the additive.

Graphene Oxide as a Collagen Modifier of Amniotic Membrane and Burnt Skin.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this interdisciplinary study was to answer the question of whether active antioxidants as graphene oxide (GO), sodium ascorbate, and L-ascorbic acid modify at a molecular and supramolecular level the tissue of pathological amnion and the necrotic eschar degraded in thermal burn. We propose new solutions of modifiers based on GO that will become innovative ingredients to be used in transplants (amnion) and enhance regeneration of epidermis degraded in thermal burn. METHODS: A Nicolet 6700 spectrophotometer with Omnic software and the EasiDiff diffusion accessory were used in FTIR spectroscopic analysis. A Nicolet Magna-IR 860 spectrometer with an FT Raman accessory was used to record the Raman spectra of the samples. The surface of the samples was examined using a Phenom ProX scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector to diagnose and illustrate morphological effects on skin and amnion samples. SAXS measurements were carried out with a compact Kratky camera equipped with the SWAXS optical system. RESULTS: Characterisation of amide I-III regions, important for molecular structure, on both FTIR and FTR spectra revealed distinct shifts, testifying to organization of protein structure after GO modification. A wide lipid band associated with ester-group vibrations in phospholipids of cell membranes and vibrations of the carbonyl group of GO in the 1,790-1,720 cm-1 band were observed in the spectra of thermally degraded and GO-modified epidermis and pathological amnion. SAXS studies revealed that GO caused a significant change in the structure of the burnt skin, but its influence on the structure of the amnion was weak. CONCLUSION: Modification of burn-damaged epidermis and pathological amnion by means of GO results in stabilization and regeneration of tissue at the level of molecular (FTIR, FTR) and supramolecular (SAXS) interactions.

High-Impact Polystyrene Reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide as a Filament for Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printing.

Graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO), due to their properties, have been enjoying great interest for over two decades, particularly in the context of additive manufacturing (AM) applications in recent years. High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a polymer used in 3D printing technology due to its high dimensional stability, low cost, and ease of processing. However, the ongoing development of AM creates the need to produce modern feedstock materials with better properties and functionality. This can be achieved by introducing reduced graphene oxide into the polymer matrix. In this study, printable composite filaments were prepared and characterized in terms of morphology and thermal and mechanical properties. Among the obtained HIPS/rGO composites, the filament containing 0.5 wt% of reduced graphene oxide had the best mechanical properties. Its tensile strength increased from 19.84 to 22.45 MPa, for pure HIPS and HIPS-0.5, respectively. Furthermore, when using the HIPS-0.5 filament in the printing process, no clogging of the nozzle was observed, which may indicate good dispersion of the rGO in the polymer matrix.

Modification and Properties of Cellulose Nonwoven Fabric-Multifunctional Mulching Material for Agricultural Applications.

The paper describes a method of modifying a commercial viscose nonwoven fabric and its use as a modern mulching material in agriculture. The conducted research confirmed that the proposed modification of the viscose nonwoven fabric could be successfully used as a multipurpose and, above all, completely biodegradable nonwoven crop cover, which will eliminate the problem of disposal after the harvest period. Modified cellulose nonwoven fabric was obtained by staining with NB-BT helion brown, then padding with potassium nitrate (KNO3) solution (used as a fertilizer) and finally coating with polylactide (PLA) solution. The characterisation of the nonwoven fabric included structural analysis, physicochemical properties and mechanical tests. The modified cellulose nonwovens were used in the tunnel cultivation of tomatoes as a heat-retardant, water-absorbing, antiweed mulching material that prevents soil infestation and slowly releases fertilizers.

Preparation and properties of composite cellulose fibres with the addition of graphene oxide.

The paper presents the results of a study on the preparation of cellulose-based composite fibres (CEL) with graphene oxide addition (GO). Composite fibres (GO/CEL) were prepared via the wet spinning method from CEL solutions in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIMAc) that contained a nano-addition of GO dispersion in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The GO contents of the composite fibres were 0, 0.21, 0.50, 0.98, and 1.97 % w w. The fibres were coagulated in two solvents: distilled water and methanol. The results demonstrated that the amount of GO additive and the type of coagulant significantly impact the physicochemical, mechanical and structural properties of the CEL and GO/CEL fibres. The use of distilled water in a coagulation bath causes a degree of crystallinity of 31.0-40.8 % (WAXS) and a shift in the thermal decomposition temperature (by approximately 19 °C) towards higher temperatures (TGA). The results demonstrate improvements in the mechanical properties of the GO/CEL fibres, which were at the level of 9.43-14.18 cN/tex. In addition, the GO/CEL fibres exhibit satisfactory GO dispersion throughout their volume.

Stabilized Ortho-Silicic Acid as a Modifier of Tissue-Preliminary Comparative Biomaterial Studies.

The ortho-silicic acid (H4SiO4) plays an essential role in delivering silicon to body cells and the monomeric ortho-silicic acid is the most bioavailable source of silicon for humans. This study reveals that the ortho-silicic acid (OSA) modifies the tissue of a healthy and pathological hypotrophic amnion, thermal burn skin and, additionally, the OSA-incubated serum. Changes in the tissue modified by the ortho-silicic acid were traced on the molecular level with the use of FTIR spectroscopy. The most interesting area of tissue modification with the use of OSA acid solutions is the appearance of the 1085 cm-1 Si-O-Si band which is optimal for the 1:6000 OSA concentration. Microbiological studies aiming at anticipating anti-inflammatory and antibacterial bioactivity revealed that the skin samples and amniotic samples were characterised by good resistance to the following bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (medium growth inhibition zone: 0.5-4 mm). The present study determined the concentration and the composition of the solutions to be used in the future to create innovative modifiers (active dressings or new dietary supplements) enhancing tissue regeneration.

Preparation of Antimicrobial Fibres from the EVOH/EPC Blend Containing Silver Nanoparticles.

The article presents a new fabrication method for bioactive fibres with a microporous structure of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH)/ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPC) blends. The experimental work carried out resulted in obtaining EVOH/EPC polymer blends fibres with the addition of glycerol and sodium stearate. Different concentrations of glycerol (38%, 32%) and sodium stearate (2%, 8%) were used to prepare the fibres. The purpose of using different concentrations of stearate and glycerol was to evaluate the effect of additives on the structure and properties of the fibres. A significant influence of the additives used on the morphological structure of the fibres was found. The resulting fibres were modified with an AgNO3 solution and reduced to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), to give the fibres bioactive properties. The fibres obtained with the addition of 8% stearate have a more developed surface, which may influence the amount of adsorbed silver particles inside the fibre. However, the durability of depositing silver particles after multiple washes has not been tested. Three types of microorganisms were selected to assess the microbiological activity of the obtained fibres, i.e., Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The fibres have antibacterial activity against gram positive and negative bacteria. The largest inhibition zones were obtained for gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, ranging from 3 to 10 mm depending on the concentration of AgNPs. The morphology of the blends fibres was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The occurrence of elemental silver was analysed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The changes of the polymer structure chemistry are studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

The Role of Reduced Graphene Oxide in the Suspension Polymerization of Styrene and Its Effect on the Morphology and Thermal Properties of the Polystyrene/rGO Nanocomposites.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was used to obtain Polystyrene (PS)/rGO nanocomposites via in-situ suspension polymerization. The main goal of the article was to determine how rGO influences the morphology and thermal properties of PS beads. The obtained samples were studied by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and calorimetric and thermogravimetric analysis (DCS, TGA). It was proven that the addition of rGO, due to the presence of polar functional groups, causes significant changes in bead sizes and size distribution, and in their morphology (on the surface and in cross-section). The increasing amount of rGO in the polymer matrix increased the size of beads from 0.36 to 3.17 mm for pure PS and PS with 0.2 wt% rGO content, respectively. PS/rGO nanocomposites are characterized by distinctly improved thermostability, which is primarily expressed in the increase in their decomposition temperature. For a sample containing 0.3 wt% rGO, the difference is more than 12 °C in comparison to pure PS beads.

The Influence of Graphene Addition on the Properties of Composite rGO/PAN Membranes and Their Potential Application for Water Disinfection.

The paper presents a method of obtaining composite polyacrylonitrile-based (PAN) membranes with the addition of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The membranes were obtained using phase inversion method from a homogeneous rGO dispersion in a solution of PAN dissolved in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The impact of the amount of rGO addition to the PAN matrix on the physicochemical, structural, transport, and separation properties and on fouling resistance was studied. Composite membranes, due to the method of preparation used and the addition of rGO, are characterized by very good transport properties (~390 L/m2 h) and by a high degree of protein retention (85%). Reduced graphene oxide has biocidal properties, which, as we have shown, depend on the size of nanoparticles and the type of microorganism. rGO/PAN membranes, on the other hand, show biostatic properties against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcuc aureus) and fungi (Candida albicans). Thus, the obtained composite membranes can be potentially used in water disinfection.

A new approach to the production of a biovital skin graft based on human acellular dermal matrix produced in-house, in vitro revitalized internally by human fibroblasts and keratinocytes on the surface.

Patients with extensive and deep burns who do not have enough donor sites for autologous skin grafts require alternative treatment methods. Tissue engineering is a useful tool to solve this problem. The aim of this study was to find the optimal method for the production of a biovital skin substitute based on acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and in vitro cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In this work, nine methods of ADM production were assessed. The proposed methods are based on the use of the following enzymes: Dispase II, collagenase I/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), collagenase II/EDTA, and mechanical perforation using DermaRoller and mesh dermatome. The obtained ADMs were examined (both on the side of the basement membrane and on the "cut-off" side) by means of scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry tests and strength tests. ADM was revitalized with human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The ability of in-depth revitalization of cultured fibroblasts and their ability to secrete collagen IV was examined. The obtained results indicate that the optimal method of production of live skin substitutes is the colonization of autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes on the scaffold obtained using two-step incubation method: Trypsin/EDTA and dispase II.

FT Raman spectroscopy in the evaluation of biomarkers of normal and pathological placenta tissue.

The basic precondition of proper intrauterine growth is appropriate supply of nutrients transported through placenta. Placenta capacity in the scope of transportation is dependent on transport systems and the structure of the basement membrane and syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane. The present pilot study demonstrates preliminary results of the analysis of placenta structure in the course of selected pathologies by FT Raman spectroscopy analysis. The observed changes of the molecular structure in the so-called average spectra, independent of methodical processing, may be an indicator of the efficiency of transportation controlled by syncytiotrophoblast. In particular, an increase in the intensity of dispersion and transfer within the frequency of 3425-3300 cm-1 demonstrate the dynamics of the interaction in the scope of hydrogen bonds in healthy tissues. Changes in the molecular structure within the frequency of 950-750 cm-1 and conformational changes within disulphide bonds differentiate the healthy tissue from the pathological one. Changes in the molecular structure observed in the FTR spectra are a spectroscopic image of placenta functions in the course of various pathologies. They also document a complex goal of our research that is finding spectroscopic biomarkers of regular and pathological placental tissue.

A Histologic Perspective on Electrical and Thermal Burn-Injured Human Skin.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze specific spectroscopic (FT-Raman) and thermal (limiting oxygen index) aspects of skin samples exposed to electrical injury compared with thermal injury. METHODS: An observational case-control study was conducted at the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Center for Burns Treatment in Siemianowice, Silesia, Poland. A scanning electron microscope was used to diagnose and illustrate the topography of skin samples from electrical and thermal burns and the morphologic effects on damaged versus undamaged skin surfaces. In particular, researchers attempted to detect spectroscopic and thermal changes at the molecular level, namely, specific biomarkers of tissue degeneration and their regeneration under the influence of the applied modifiers (antioxidants and orthosilicic acid solutions). RESULTS: Modification with L-ascorbic acid and hydrogel of orthosilicic acid caused an increase in the intensity of the amide I Raman peaks, whereas modification with sodium ascorbate and orthosilicic acid resulted in the separation of the band protein side chains (1,440-1,448 cm), which is a part of tissue regeneration. The best result was obtained when the skin was treated with 7% orthosilicic acid (limiting oxygen index, 26%). CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant treatment may be advantageous in minimizing injury in patients with thermal burns but not always in electrical burns.

Sodium ascorbate (SA) and l-ascorbic acid (AA) as modifiers of burn affected skin - A comparative analysis.

Proper functioning of living organisms requires controlling the factors which govern the level of oxidative stress in the system, that is presence of free radicals at a given, rather low, level and preventing their excess. In this work it is shown that SA and AA active antioxidants, governing the oxidative stress in the wound, modify standard serum solution as well as burn affected necrotic eschar at the molecular structure level. In the case of incubation of skin fragments in SA and AA, the following findings were reported: modification of serum, that is appearance of low molecular weight oligomer bands in AA and recreation of native serum bands in SA. In frozen serum solutions modified by AA FTIR 1759 and 1420-1053 cm-1 bands are observed, whereas in SA FTIR 1603, 1411-1054 and 536 cm-1 bands appear. In the case of modification of the burn affected necrotic eschar in SA and AA - frequency shifts in the fingerprint region 1780-1000 cm-1 can be biomarkers indicating tissue regeneration process under the influence of antioxidants. 1780-1580 cm-1 and 1418-1250 cm-1 regions on the Raman spectra are particularly rich in spectral information. Modification of samples of skin burnt with AA activates the regions of the ß-sheet aggregates whereas treatment of the samples with SA ascorbate demonstrates changes which testify to reconstruction of α-helix structure (SAXS studies).

Modification of chitin structure with tailored ionic liquids.

Chitin, poly N-acetylglucosamine, has a great potential for use on an industrial scale as an enzyme carrier but it has an unfavorable particle structure that can be modified using ionic liquids (ILs). Several ionic liquids were investigated that have the same substituents on the ring (methyl- and propyl-) but differed in the type of cationic ring (pyrrolidinium, piperidinium, and piperazinium). Organic acid ions (acetic and lactic) were used as counter ions. 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium acetate and 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium lactate were used as a reference. The results confirm that the chitin particle structure or size, or both, simultaneously changes if chitin is dissolved in an IL and then precipitated. Organic acid anions and short substituents on the cationic ring of ILs influenced particle modification substantially, whereas the type of ring played a minor role. Additionally, the ionic liquids [MPpyrr][OAc], [MPpip][OAc] and [DMPpz][OAc] could be reused up to at least 4 times without losing their ability to dissolve chitin.

The role of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in ex-vivo examination of human skin burn injury treatment.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is one of the most versatile solvents in biological science, therefore it is frequently used as a solvent in biological studies and as a vehicle for drug therapy. DMSO readily penetrates, diffuses through biological membranes and ipso facto increases fluidity of liposomal membranes modelling stratum corneum. Thermal injury is associated with the appearance of lipid peroxidation products in the burned skin. The influence of DMSO on protein structure and stability is concentration and temperature dependant. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of DMSO on human burn wounds and examine the interactions between DMSO and skin surface. The real problem in burn treatment is hypoalbuminemia. At the level of the laboratory studies there was an attempt at answering the question of whether the DMSO will modify the standard serum solution. In the case of the incubation of skin fragments in 1%-100% DMSO, the following findings were reported: modification of the serum, appearance of low molecular weight oligomer bands, disappearance of albumin bands or reconstruction of native serum bands during incubation in antioxidant solutions. The result of the modification is also the exposure of FTIR 1603 and 1046cm-1 bands observed in frozen serum solutions. In the case of modification of the burned skin by DMSO solutions or antioxidants - frequency shifts, an increase in the intensity of amide I band as well as the appearance of the 1601cm-1 band can be specific biomarkers of the tissue regeneration process. In this study the areas 1780-1580cm-1 and 1418-1250cm-1 on the Raman spectra are particularly rich in spectral information.

The role of topically applied l-ascorbic acid in ex-vivo examination of burn-injured human skin.

Wound treatment and healing is complex and is comprised of an elaborate set of processes including cellular, spectroscopic and biochemical ones as well as the "reaction" of local tissue to thermal injury. Vitamin C as l-ascorbic acid (LA) prevents injurious effects of oxidants because it reduces reactive oxygen species to stable molecules, it becomes oxidized to the short-lived ascorbyl radical. As a result, antioxidant treatment may contribute to minimizing injury in burn patients. The aim of this study is to assess changes in molecular structure of collagen extracted from human epidermis burn wound scab during incubation of the epidermis in l-ascorbic acid solution. The study will be performed using FTIR and FT Raman spectroscopies. During this research it was observed that the intensity of Raman peaks increased where healing was being modified by LA. The intensity of the amide III band at 1247cm-1 relative to the intensity at 1326cm-1 was used to test tissue repair degree at the incision site. FTIR spectra were recorded from frozen specimens of serum modified by LA; an analysis of shifts in the amide I band position was conducted. The appearance of a new band for frozen samples modified by LA was observed around 1149-1220cm-1. The above conclusions confirmed the creation of hydrogen bonds between NH stretch and CO. Samples being incubated in solutions of l-ascorbic acid demonstrated the absence of electrophoretic bands of albumin. Alterations in the surface of the skin incubated in l-ascorbic acid were investigated with the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A decrease in external symptoms of burn injury was noted in the damaged epidermis incubated in l-ascorbic acid.

Active antioxidants in ex-vivo examination of burn wound healing by means of IR and Raman spectroscopies-Preliminary comparative research.

Being a complex traumatic event, burn injury also affects other organ systems apart from the skin. Wounds undergo various pathological changes which are accompanied by alterations in the molecular environment. Information about molecules may be obtained with the use of Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and when combined, both methods are a powerful tool for providing material characterization. Alterations in the molecular environment may lead to identifying objective markers of acute wound healing. In general, incubation of samples in solutions of l-ascorbic acid and 5% and 7% orthosilicic acid organizes the collagen structure, whereas the increased intensity of the Raman bands in the region of 1500-800cm-1 reveals regeneration of the burn tissue. Since oxidative damage is one of the mechanisms responsible for local and distant pathophysiological events after burn, antioxidant therapy can prove to be beneficial in minimizing burn wounds, which was examined on the basis of human skin samples and chicken skin samples, the latter being subject to modification when heated to a temperature sufficient for the simulation of a burn incident.