Abstract
Purpose: Collagen synthesis is crucial for effective wound healing, yet natural repair is often a slow process. We developed a 10-amino-acid integrin-binding peptide (YFPGERGRPG) and combined it with Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) extract to investigate their combined effects on enhancing fibroblast-mediated collagen production and tissue repair. Methods: C. vulgaris was prepared by sonication, centrifugation, and filtration. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were treated with the synthetic peptide and algal extract, and their effects were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, scratch wound assay, and gene expression analysis. In vivo wound healing was evaluated in a rat excisional wound model through wound closure, Masson’s Trichrome staining, and Western blotting. Results: The results indicated that the combination of synthetic peptide and C. vulgaris extract had significant effects on collagen synthesis compared to individual treatments (p < 0.05). The scratch assay demonstrated quicker wound closure, and gene expression analysis confirmed the upregulation of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) (p < 0.05). In vivo, topical application in a full-thickness rat skin wound model had significant effects on collagen deposition, wound contraction, and epithelial regeneration, compared to individual treatments and standard collagen dressings. Histological analyses confirmed increased collagen density, consistent with gene expression and functional outcomes. Conclusion: Notably, the combined effects of the peptide and extract were observed at both molecular and tissue levels, highlighting the potential of this combinatorial approach to influence wound repair. These results support the therapeutic potential of integrating bioactive peptides with microalgal extracts to investigate their effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling for regenerative therapies. Further studies are required to elucidate underlying mechanisms and assess clinical translation.