We examined the effects of the transparent
fibroin film (
silk film) on full-thickness skin
wounds. Full-thickness dermatotomies (15 mm x 9 mm) were prepared on the dorsal wall of CRJ:CD-1 nu/nu (ICR nu/nu) mice. The area of the
wounds dressed with
silk film was reduced to 10% of that made by the dermatotomy 14 days after the dermatotomy and were covered with regenerated epidermis 21 days after the dermatotomy. In contrast, less recovery and epidermal regeneration were found 14 days after dermatotomy in the
wounds dressed with a conventional
hydrocolloid dressing (Duro Active). Furthermore, only partial incomplete epidemal growth was obtained 21 days after dermatotomy. Most importantly, the healing time of
wounds dressed with
silk film was 7 days shorter than those dressed with DuoActive dressing. The
silk film showed an almost similar or slightly better promotive effect as the lyophilized porcine dermis (Alloask D), which is used as a dressing for
burns,
ulcers, and decubitis. Histologic findings revealed that there was greater
collagen regeneration and less
inflammation and neutrophil-lymphocyte infiltration of the
wounds dressed with
silk film than with DuoActive dressing. It is clear that regeneration of the epidermis and dermis of the
wound beds covered with
silk film was faster than with DuoActive dressing. Finally,
silk film is easily obtainable, sterilizable, and transparent, and it allows easy observation of tissue recovery. Therefore,
silk film offers advantages over other dressings and may be clinically useful for
wound treatment.