Synthetic polymeric biomaterials for wound healing: a review

Mariam Mir,Shizza Fatima,Munam Arshad,Afifa Barakullah,Murtaza Najabat Ali,Maliha Asad,Ayesha Gulzar

doi:10.1007/s40204-018-0083-4

Mariam Mir, Shizza Fatima + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40204-018-0083-4

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Abstract

Wounds are of a variety of types and each category has its own distinctive healing requirements. This realization has spurred the development of a myriad of wound dressings, each with specific characteristics. It is unrealistic to expect a singular dressing to embrace all characteristics that would fulfill generic needs for wound healing. However, each dressing may approach the ideal requirements by deviating from the ‘one size fits all approach’, if it conforms strictly to the specifications of the wound and the patient. Indeed, a functional wound dressing should achieve healing of the wound with minimal time and cost expenditures. This article offers an insight into several different types of polymeric materials clinically used in wound dressings and the events taking place at cellular level, which aid the process of healing, while the biomaterial dressing interacts with the body tissue. Hence, the significance of using synthetic polymer films, foam dressings, hydrocolloids, alginate dressings, and hydrogels has been reviewed, and the properties of these materials that conform to wound-healing requirements have been explored. A special section on bioactive dressings and bioengineered skin substitutes that play an active part in healing process has been re-examined in this work.

Highlights

For effective wound healing to occur, there has always existed a requirement for a suitable material that would cover the wound to prevent infection (Majno 2014)
Chronic wounds generally tend to reoccur and have a healing time extending beyond 12 weeks (Bryant and Nix 2006)
Diabetic individuals show delayed and impaired wound healing. Such individuals are prone to diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) which subsequently causes lower limb amputation in 80% of cases

Summary

Introduction

For effective wound healing to occur, there has always existed a requirement for a suitable material that would cover the wound to prevent infection (Majno 2014). Dressing absorbs fluid from the wound and hydrocolloid forms viscous gel that provides moist environment with reduces local pH. It contains amino groups along with hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in its composition It has its use in wound dressings as it is known to have a positive effect on cell density and collagen formation at wound site by enhancing fibroblast growth and proliferation of human skin (Song et al 2012). It has many advantages such as biocompatibility, non-toxicity and biodegradability. Randomized trials involving local radiant heat therapies have shown faster healing rates in patients with pressure ulcers as compared to the control (Ikeda et al 1998; Thomas et al 2005)

Conclusion

Findings

Compliance with ethical standards