Absorption of Bioactive Molecules into OASIS Wound Matrix

Abstract

To examine the ability of OASIS Wound Matrix to absorb, retain, and protect bioactive molecules from solution. Samples of OASIS Wound Matrix were incubated in solutions of bioactive molecules, specifically heparin, albumin, fibronectin, basic fibroblast growth factor 2, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Half of the samples were then rinsed, and all of the samples were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and dye-mediated spectrophotometric methods for absorption and retention of the bioactive molecules. Protection of PDGF was measured by placing PDGF-incubated and control samples into a degradation solution containing plasmin. Intact PDGF levels were then evaluated using a PDGF-specific ELISA. The main outcome measures were the amount of each bioactive molecule that was absorbed after incubation in solutions and retained after rinses as well as the amount of PDGF remaining after plasmin degradation. OASIS Wound Matrix absorbed bioactive molecules from solution, selectively absorbed PDGF from serum, and protected PDGF from protease degradation. Although OASIS Wound Matrix potentially has multiple functions in wound healing, it likely promotes wound healing, in part, by absorbing, retaining, and protecting bioactive molecules from the wound environment.