Effects of propolis-containing nanofibers on corneal wound in rats

Abstract

The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and is constantly exposed to trauma due to its anatomical location. Propolis is a substance produced by honeybees by mixing the extracts they collect from plants with their secretions. Studies have shown that propolis contains essential biological active substances for the life of organisms, which enhance epithelialization and have strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. In our study, we created a corneal wound with a diameter of 3 mm using a corneal blade. In the experimentally induced corneal wound, no treated the first group, the second group was treated with nanofibers containing propolis produced by the electrospinning method, and the third group treated water-based topical propolis application. Topical propolis was applied once a day for 3 days, while nanofibers containing propolis were applied once following wound formation. Fluorescein staining was performed on the rats eyes every day throughout the study, and photographs were taken to measure the wound sizes. On the third day, the rats were euthanized under general anesthesia, and histopathological examination was performed on their corneas. In terms of bleeding, no significant difference was observed between the propolis and control groups, while a lower level of bleeding was detected in the nanopropolis group. Propolis and nanofibers containing propolis groups showed a significantly positive effect on wound healing compared to the control group.