Effect of Dakin's Solution on Components of a Dermal Equivalent

Background

The use of Dakin's solution on open wounds remains controversial in clinical practice. Here we investigated the effect of Dakin's solution on collagen degradation and fibroblast migration using a dermal equivalent.

Materials and Methods

Acid solubilized or neutralized collagen was combined with four dilutions of Dakin's solution (0.5%, 0.25%, 0.125%, 0.0125%), with and without serum, at room temperature and 37°C. Collagen degradation was examined at 0, 1, and 24 h using 8% SDS-page gels. Cell migration was determined using dermal equivalents where fibroblasts were incorporated into 3D collagen gels and exposed to Dakin's solution with and without serum. The cells were assessed for viability and cell migration at 24 and 48 h.

Results

Dakin's at 0.0125% resulted in little or no collagen degradation compared with a higher concentration of 0.5%, where collagen was either partially or completely degraded. Likewise, cell migration was completely inhibited at higher concentrations, while fibroblasts in a 3D matrix at 0.0125% were still able to migrate at 24 and 48 h, albeit in fewer numbers compared with controls. Serum had a protective effect for both collagen degradation and cell migration when added together with the Dakin's solutions. A time and temperature dependent effect was also noted, with longer contact and higher temperatures being more detrimental.

Conclusions

Collagen degradation and fibroblast migration is affected by the concentration of Dakin's solution, the presence or absence of serum, time exposure and temperature. Use of Dakin's solution in clinical settings should take these findings into consideration in clinical practice.

Key Words: wound healing, Dakin's solution, dermal equivalent, antiseptic, collagen, cell migration, fibroblast