Effectiveness of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupa oil emulgel for burn wound recovery

Abstract

High levels of fatty acids found in black soldier fly (BSF) prepupa oil have the potential to act as antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory agents. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BSF prepupa oil emulgel as a topical treatment to hasten the morphological and histological healing of burn wounds. This study used 30 male BALB/c mice divided into six groups, namely the group without treatment (UT group), the group given emulgel base (EB group), the group given bioplacenton® (Bp group), the group given 5%, 10%, and 15% BSF prepupa oil emulgel (EBSFPO 5%, 10%, and 15% groups). Burns were made by exposing the skin of the back to 25% phenol for 30 seconds; the treatment was carried out for 14 days with application twice a day for all groups. The morphological results showed that the 15% emulgel treatment accelerated the decrease in scab score on day 5 and decreased the wound area faster on day 7 by 0.40 cm2 compared to the other groups. Histological analysis also confirmed that the untreated group had a significant effect in reducing the thickness of the epidermis. In contrast, emulgel 15% significantly reduced the thickness of the dermis and the number of macrophage cells. Meanwhile, epithelialization and fibroblast formation were complete in all treatment groups after 14 days. The findings suggested that BSF 15% prepupa oil emulgel can be produced as a topical solution that works well for treating wounds.