Dry Wounds Research Articles

Critical Evaluation of Lateral Calcaneal Artery Fascio-Cutaneous Flap in Re-Surfacing Posterior Heel Defects: A Review of 24 Cases.

To assess feasibility and functional acceptability of lateral calcaneal artery fascio-cutaneous flap (LCAFCF) in providing cover to posterior heel defects in single stage. To provide stable and sensate cover to small and moderate posterior heel defects. This review was conducted in department of Burns & Plastic Surgery of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, Haryana between October 2021 and September 2022 to analyse the clinical outcome of LCAFCF in 24 patients (18 males, 6 females) aged between 20 and 35years who had chronic dry wounds n = 9, failed primary reconstruction by reverse sural flap n = 1, granulated wounds n = 8, exposed achilles tendons n = 4 and scarred tissue restricting ankle joint movements n = 2 in region of posterior heel following trauma, while riding motor-cycle. Course of lateral calcaneal artery was marked with hand-held doppler. Flap size ranged from 3 to 3.5cm in width and 5.5-7.5cm length. The donor sites were split skin grafted. Sutures were removed on 22nd day of surgery. Mean follow up was 13months. All flaps survived. Two had partial loss of skin graft and two developed hyperkeratosis on grafted site. Sensations in flap, regain of movements of ankle joint, comfort of walking and driving were acceptable. LCAFCF is handy, safe and reliable flap for re-surfacing difficult wounds of posterior heel, therefore should be included in surgical armamentarium.

Perawatan luka jahitan perineum pada ibu nifas Di PMB Emy Lestari Purworejo

Introduction : The postpartum period is an important thing to attention in order to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Indonesia. The direct causes of maternal death in Indonesia are currently, infection (10%), and other causes. others (15%). The cause of puerperal infection from injury to the birth canal which is development of germs because the mother's immune after giving birth is still low, poor care and poor hygiene (Prawirohardjo, 2008). The study was conducted for 6 weeks from 28 October to 9 December 2019 at PMB Emy Lestari Purworejo, 10 postpartum mothers were found, of these 7 postpartum mothers has perineal wound. So, the author interested to research on postpartum mothers at PMB Emy Lestari Purworejo.
 Purpose: Knowing the effectiveness of perineal wound care in perineal wound healing in postpartum mothers at PMB Emy Lestari Purworejo.
 Methods: The type of research method used is descriptive analytic method. This research instrument used the results of examinations, observations or observations of the author, interviews with clients and supporting data listed in the maternal and child health book owned by the client.
 Results : The results of perineal wound care in postpartum mothers, 2 patients were slightly dry wounds on the 4th day, while 3 patients received slightly dry wounds on the 4th day, while the wound was slightly dry on day 6 in 2 patients.Conclusions: Caring for perineal wounds by washing with soap and applying betadine is effective to accelerate perineal wound healing and increase the comfort of postpartum women

The PLA-Ag NPs/PU bicomponent nanofiber production for wound dressing applications: Investigation of core/shell displacement effect on antibacterial, cytotoxicity, mechanical, and surface properties

In this study, pure polyurethane (PU) and poly (lactic) acid-silver nanoparticle (PLA-Ag NP) bicomponent nanofibers were successfully obtained alternately by using in the core or shell with coaxial electrospinning. The effects of displacements in the core and shell of fibers on the characterization, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity properties of whole bicomponent fibers were examined in detail. Using PLA-Ag NPs in the core, produced bicomponent mats that were thinner whereas locating PLA-Ag NPs to the shell, obtained bicomponent nanofibers that were more hydrophobic. TEM and FTIR analysis proved that PLA-Ag NPs and pure PU are obtained as a bicomponent structure without mixing with each other. When pure PU was used in the core, bicomponent mats showed high elasticity and strength. As the Ag NPs ratio in the core has increased, the viability of the mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) also has increased. The bicomponent nanofiber with 10% Ag NP in its core has supported cell growth and has shown a high antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study reported that prepared mats could be used as an antibacterial wound dressing, especially for dry wounds, if renewed every 24 hours.

Effectiveness of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) ointments as wound healing agents in wistar rats

Temulawak is known for its potential as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging. Numerous studies have been reported on how temulawak extract components minimize wrinkles, boost collagen production, and prevent degradation. This study aims to determine whether temulawak extract promotes wound healing in Wistar rats. Pure experimental laboratory research and only post-test control group design observations have been done. Our results showed changes in the macroscopic appearance of wounds, particularly in the look of closed, dry wounds, which were exclusively observed in patients who received ointments containing 15%, 20% and 25% temulawak extract after 14 days. Based on the histopathology observation there was a significant difference in the mean comparison of the area of epithelialization, the number of fibroblasts, and the quantity of angiogenesis. We conclude that temulawak extract benefited incision wound healing in Wistar rats.

EDUCATION ON HANDLING GREEN TURTLE (Chelonia mydas) INJURED DUE TO ILLEGAL ARREST OF COMMUNITY PERSONS IN SUPRAU VILLAGE

The number of turtle populations from year to year has decreased. One of the causes is the arrests made by the community for consumption purposes. On April 29, 2021, a green turtle was eaten by the Directorate of Polair, Sorong City, with an injured condition that will be used as food for consumption. The purpose of this activity is to educate the public on the handling of injured turtles and socialize related to turtle conservation. The method of turtle handling activities is direct daily care with medication and turtle feeding programs, while socialization activities are carried out with mini workshops attended by representatives of the Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervisor, Sorong Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic, Directorate of Polair Sorong City, West Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center, Sorong District Court, Sailing Science Education and Training Center, Sorong City Fisheries Service, Papua Turtle Foundation, Conservation International (CI) and Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation and public figure. The results of the activities for handling injured turtles, healthy turtles returned with dry wounds so that the turtles could be released into the wild. The socialization activity went smoothly with increasing understanding regarding the importance of turtle conservation by the community by signing a Memorandum of Understanding related to turtle conservation.

INTRODUCING EXHALED HUMAN BREATH WATER VAPOR AS PROPOSED MECHANISM INFLUENCING SUPERFICIAL CUTANEOUS WOUND HEALING

The concept that moist wounds heal faster than dry wounds was introduced in 1962. Most recently, in 1990 the concept was revisited with the introduction of a highly permeable wound dressing exposed to water vapors. The latter allows for water as a humidifying agent. Ideally, acceleration of superficial wound healing had been accomplished by the introduction of a highly water vapor permeable wound dressing. The breathable property allows for water vapor to interact with already present fibrin(ogen) material in blood clots. This manuscript adds a mechanism for the ultimate undisturbed success in cutaneous wound healing, being the dependency on a continuos supply of water vapor. In vitro experiments are introduced showing the cessation of exhaled human breath vapor onto a dry human blood smear as the end point of said interaction. Additionally the experiments were reproduced by exposing the blood smears to steam (water vapor) generated by machinery. In conclusion, exhaled human breath water vapor blown onto a blood clot has the same effect as water vapor emitted by machinery boiling water. Both causing a disappearance of the clot organized fibrin strands into a semisolid gelatinous state. Additionally, discontinuation of the water vapor infusion is also documented triggering a return of organized fibrin strands, albeit of greater intensity.

A Review on Polymeric Wound Dress for the Treatment of Burns and Diabetic Wounds

Today, various commercial dressings have been developed and introduced to the market. The diversity makes it difficult for the nurse to choose the right type. Although the most important reason to use a wound dress is to protect the wound from infection and prevent infection, but in fact, the main purpose of using these materials is to speed up the wound healing process. Traumatic injuries result in an epithelial wound that disrupts the continuity of the skin surface. These differences reveal as abrasions, punctures, and injuries. Wounds are divided into two types; the skin is either cut or ruptured, including deep wounds and bruises, or surface wounds. Expedited wound healing has been considered since the archaic era of human civilization, with the earliest reported case from the Ancient Egyptians. Wound lesions in mummified humans were observed to be cover with animal skin, with signs of (primary/secondary) wound healing present. A "new wound dressing" is an advanced wound dress used in wound management as biocompatible and biodegradable biomaterials that heal wounds and burns. In the past, it was believed that dry wounds had expedited healing and wet wounds have been found to promote using re-epithelization and result in reduced scar formation. Wounds can be treated using various types of natural polymers and materials. Also, techniques like electrospinning and freeze-drying techniques can be used for the fabrication of standard wound dress. These wounds are associated with bandages, inflammation, bleeding, pain, and pus. In this work, we consider various types of wounds and techniques to treat the wound. Susceptibility to these areas, due to special symptoms for each of them. Products like hydrogels, hydrocolloids, films, sponges, and nano-fiber polymeric materials are used to promote healing. In this review, we examine the ideal products for the treatment of wounds in diabetic patients.

Antimicrobial dressing of silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite/cassava starch-based (bio)nanocomposites.

(Bio)nanocomposites have been studied for biomedical applications, including the treatment of wounds. However, wound infection is one of the main problems of wound care management, and the use of wound dressings with antibacterial agents is essential. This work focused on developing and characterizing silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite/cassava starch-based (bio)nanocomposites potentially suitable as antimicrobial dressing. Silver sulfadiazine was complexed inside the halloysite nanotubes lumen, and the drug-loaded nanotubes were incorporated in thermoplastic starch dispersion, forming the (bio)nanocomposites. The silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite and the (bio)nanocomposite were characterized by zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. The dressing properties of (bio)nanocomposites (water vapor permeability and mechanical stability) and their antimicrobial efficacy by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were also evaluated. Physicochemical studies suggested the silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite complexation (zeta potential of -38.9 mV) and its interactions with the starch forming the nanocomposites. The silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite/starch-based (bio)nanocomposites possessed a homogeneous and organized structure. Also, they had mechanical properties to be used as a dressing (13.73 ± 3.09 MPa and 3.17 ± 1.28% of elongation at break), and its permeability (6.18 ± 0.43 (10-13) g.Pa-1.s-1.m-1) could be able to maintain the environmental moisture at the wound surface. Besides that, the (bio)nanocomposites acted against the studied bacteria, being a potential contact antimicrobial and biodegradable wound dressing. Finally, the developed (bio)nanocomposites are semi-occlusive and good candidates for dry wounds to be widely in vitro and in vivo tested as controlled silver sulfadiazine delivery dressing.

Glycerol–Silicone Membranes for Sustained and Controlled Topical Delivery of Antimicrobial and Pain‐Relief Drugs

AbstractControlling drug delivery from medical dressings to wounds remains a challenge despite the presence of multiple drug‐containing wound dressings on the market. The dressing should ideally be effective immediately after application and still show no burst effect, and must also be comfortable for an extended period of time. Here, a silicone‐based membrane is shown to offer an adjustable, constant release of various drugs even at a minimum moisture level resembling that of dry wounds. The drugs are dissolved in glycerol, which is speed‐mixed with silicone and subsequently cured to yield a solid membrane with evenly distributed glycerol microcontainers housing the drug. The drugs are released immediately upon contact with moisture, enabling efficient treatment with short response time and no burst. Drug delivery capability is evaluated using a classical drug release experiment, as well as by performing an antimicrobial susceptibility test on ten bacterial strains in agar diffusion assays. Results show that glycerol–silicone membranes are promising candidates for fighting bacterial infections. Moreover, the addition of glycerol domains to a silicone matrix is proven to have a positive impact on water vapor transmission rate and moisture handling capabilities, resulting in a more skin compliant dressing.

Chitosan/nanocellulose‐based bionanocomposite films for controlled betamethasone and silver sulfadiazine delivery

AbstractBionanocomposite films based on chitosan and nanocellulose (nanocrystals or nanofibrils) have gained considerable attention for biomedical applications, especially for wound dressings. However, the development of these films as controlled drug release dressings is still under‐exploited. Therefore, this work aimed to design chitosan/nanocellulose‐based bionanocomposite films, loaded by betamethasone or silver sulfadiazine, as functional dressings. The films were obtained by solvent casting and characterized by physicochemical, mechanical, barrier properties, in vitro drug release, and antimicrobial activity. The nanocellulose type, physical state, and content caused influence on the film's properties providing different physical, barrier, and drug release profiles. They are semi‐occlusive and mechanically resistant; the drug release is controlled, and possesses antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, the developed biodegradable bionanocomposite films are promising as active dressings for controlled drug delivery in the wound site and have specific applications according to their features to treat inflamed and purulent wounds, non‐infectious dry wounds, and infectious wounds.

Chemical Modification of Bacterial Cellulose for the Development of an Antibacterial Wound Dressing.

Bacterial cellulose is a bacterially derived polymer with great potential for application in wound healing due to its innate properties such as high biocompatibility and biodegradability. In addition to this, it is naturally biosynthesized by bacteria as a hydrogel, which makes it an optimal substrate for the treatment of dry wounds, where additional moisture is required to facilitate the healing process. However, this polymer lacks antibacterial properties. As bacterial infections are becoming increasingly common and difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance, it is of crucial importance to develop strategies for the modification of cellulose to ensure protection against bacterial contamination. In this study, a green-chemistry approach was proposed for the functionalization of cellulose to introduce antibacterial functional groups. Two different active agents, namely glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride and glycidyl hexadecyl ether, were used for the covalent derivatization of the hydroxyl groups of glucose through a heterogeneous reaction in basic aqueous conditions. The modified material was chemically and mechanically characterized by solid-state techniques and rheological measurements. A biological assessment was then carried out both using bacterial cells and human keratinocytes. It was observed that the functionalization performed induced a reduction of approximately half of the bacterial population within 24 h of direct contact with Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus Rosenbach 6538PTM and Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers ATCC® 8739TM (respectively, a reduction of 53% and 43% in the cell number was registered for the two strains). In parallel, cytotoxicity studies performed on keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) showed cell viability in the range of 90 to 100% for up to 6 days of direct contact with both unmodified and modified samples. The morphology of the cells was also visually evaluated, and no significant difference was noted as compared to the control. Finally, the in vitro scratch assay evidenced good wound closure rates in the presence of the samples, with complete coverage of the scratched area after 5 days for both the modified cellulose and the positive control (i.e., keratinocytes growth medium). Overall, the modified hydrogel showed promising features, confirming its potential as an alternative substrate to develop a sustainable, antibacterial and biocompatible wound dressing.

Wound Healing Effects of Edible Bird’s Nests Oinment (Aerodramus fuciphagus) in Alloxan-Induced Male Rats

Edible bird's nest (Aedrodramus fuchipagus) contains EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) and sialic acid which is useful in wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edible bird's nest on the injured Alloxan-induced rats to form optimal ointment formulation of edible bird's nest (Aedrodramus fuchipagus) which can heal wounds. The method used in this research is experimental using 25 Sprague Dawley rats divided into 5 groups in which each group consists of 5 rats; Group I was the control group (Vaseline + Betadine®), Group II, III, and IV were the group of EBN + Betadine® with concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%; and Group V was of the Sanoskin Meladerm® (SM) + Betadine® group. The rats were modeled for diabetes by inducing Alloxan (150mg/kgBW/i.p) and exposed with DM when the blood sugar level was > 200 mg/dL. The back skins were sliced as long as 2 cm and 2 mm depth and were given treatment according to the group, 1 x daily for 10 days. Parameters that were noticed were length wound, length of the dry wound, and the number of days of scab formation. The results obtained in the control group were 10%, 20%, and 30% on the EBN group, and the SM group on the 9th day were 1.3±0.2449, 0.34±0.427, 0.56±0.4586, 0±0, 0±0. The results of the average length of the dry wound in the control group were 10%, 20%, and 30% on the EBN group, and the SM group were 1±0.5, 2±1.5, 4±0, 8, 1±0.8, and 2±0.63. While the result of the average day of scab formation on the control group was 10%, 20%, and 30% on the EBN groups, SM Groups were 1.3±0.47, 2.2±1.6, 3.8±0.8, 1±0, and 2±0.63. Based on Kruskal Wallis test, there were significant differences in the wound length among treatment groups (sig 0.013) and significant differences in dry wounds among treatment groups (sig 0.046), but there was no difference in the time of scab formation among treatment groups (sig 0.066). In conclusion, edible bird’s nest (Aedrodramus fuchipagus) ointment concentration of 30% is the most optimal ointment to wound healing in Alloxan-induced male rats when compared to Sanoskin Melladerm.

In vitro evaluation of the association of medicinal larvae (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae) and topical agents conventionally used for the treatment of wounds

Wound healing is a complex process involving multiple biochemical and cellular events and represents a neglected public health issue. As a consequence, millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic wounds. The search for new treatment alternatives is therefore an important issue. In the context of wound healing, Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) is an inexpensive treatment with few contraindications and very promising results. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro feasibility and implications of larvae (= MDT) use when combined with topical agents as a strategy to identify additive or synergistic combinations. The weight and survival rate of Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae) larvae reared in an in vitro wound with either honey, hydrogel, 10% papain gel, essential fatty acids (EFA), collagenase, or silver sulfadiazine were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h. Hydrogel (for weight: 24 and 72 h; for survival: 24 h) and 10% papain gel (for weight: 48 h; for survival: 48 and 72 h) demonstrated the least interference in larval weight gain and survival rate, when compared to the control group. The results obtained in this study showed that the combined use of larvae and hydrogel or 10% papain gel may be promising to maximize the tissue repair. Honey, EFA and collagenase could be used to prepare the bed of the dry wounds to receive the MDT.

Evaluation of alternatives to cautery disbudding of dairy goat kids using physiological measures of immediate and longer-term pain

We evaluated alternatives to cautery disbudding of goat kids using physiological measures of immediate and longer-term pain. Fifty Saanen doe kids were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments (n = 10/treatment): (1) cautery disbudding (CAUT), (2) caustic paste disbudding (CASP), (3) liquid nitrogen disbudding (CRYO), (4) clove oil injected into the horn bud (CLOV), or (5) sham disbudding (SHAM). Serum cortisol and haptoglobin concentrations were measured from blood samples collected immediately before treatment (baseline) and at 15, 30, 60, and 120 min and then again at 6 and 24 h post-treatment. An infrared thermography camera was used to take images of the horn buds 24 h pre- and 24, 48, and 72 h post-treatment to measure skin temperature. Body weight was measured daily for 1 wk to assess weight change post-treatment. Images of the horn buds were taken at d 1, 2, and 7 and at 6 wk post-treatment to assess tissue damage and wound healing. Mean cortisol concentrations were elevated in CASP kids 1 h post-treatment relative to CAUT kids. Cortisol concentrations of CRYO kids were higher than those of CAUT kids 30 min post-treatment; concentrations for CLOV kids were similar to CAUT kids post-treatment. Mean haptoglobin concentrations were similar across treatments over time; however, CLOV kids had higher concentrations at 24 h post-treatment than all other treatments. Skin temperatures of CASP and CLOV kids were elevated relative to CAUT kids at all time points post-treatment, and all disbudded kids had skin temperatures above those of SHAM kids at 72 h post-treatment. Treatment did not influence weight gain. The CAUT kids had large, open wounds exposing bone; small scabs were still evident 6 wk post-treatment. The CASP kids had red and open, raw wounds that generated large eschars, apparent for up to 6 wk. The CRYO kids had closed, dry wounds initially, but over time lesions appeared that caused open wounds; small scabs were present 6 wk post-treatment. The CLOV kids had closed, dry wounds with blackened skin; healed skin and minimal scabs were present 6 wk post-treatment. Caustic paste and cryosurgical disbudding appeared to cause more pain compared with cautery disbudding; thus, these methods may not provide good alternatives to cautery disbudding. Clove oil appeared to cause a similar pain response as cautery disbudding and smaller wounds with earlier tissue repair; this method shows promise as an alternative to cautery disbudding.

Autoclavable physically-crosslinked chitosan cryogel as a wound dressing

Moist wounds were known to heal more rapidly than dry wounds. Hydrogel wound dressings were suitable for the moist wound healing because of their hyperhydrous structure. Chitosan was a strong candidate as a base material for hydrogel wound dressings because the polymer had excellent biological properties that promoted wound healing. We previously developed physically-crosslinked chitosan cryogels, which were prepared solely by freeze-thawing of a chitosan-gluconic acid conjugate (CG) aqueous solution, for wound treatment. The CG cryogels were disinfected by immersing in 70% ethanol before applying to wounds in our previous study. In the present study, we examined the influence of autoclave sterilization (121°C, 20min) on the characteristics of CG cryogel because complete sterilization was one of the fundamental requirements for medical devices. We found that optimum value of gluconic acid content of CG, defined as the number of the incorporated gluconic acid units per 100 glucosamine units of chitosan, was 11 for autoclaving. An increased crosslinking level of CG cryogel on autoclaving enhanced resistance of the gels to enzymatic degradation. Furthermore, the autoclaved CG cryogels retained favorable biological properties of the pre-autoclaved CG cryogels in that they showed the same hemostatic activity and efficacy in repairing full-thickness skin wounds as the pre-autoclaved CG cryogels. These results showed the great potential of autoclavable CG cryogels as a practical wound dressing.

Hydroconductive and silver-impregnated foam dressings: a comparison

As the number of commercially available wound dressings is increasing rapidly, it is important for clinicians to understand the strengths and limitations of each and to recognise relationships between wound type and dressing properties to obtain optimal healing results. Our aim is to test the antimicrobial activity of two dressings. A hydroconductive (HC) dressing and a silver-impregnated foam (SIF) dressing were compared for their potential to reduce the levels meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We also assessed MRSA-derived biologically active components in liquid or agar matrices, simplified models for heavily exuding or dry wounds respectively, and in an in vivo animal model with MRSA infected wounds. In the agar model (dry wounds) both dressings showed a strong reduction in MRSA activities within 24 hours post-application. The antibacterial effects of the SIF dressing were more pronounced in the liquid model, however, at an increasing cytotoxic cost. In agreement with these in vitro results, assessment of dressings using an MRSA-infected wound in an rat model showed a decrease in MRSA which was significant 7 days post-burn and inoculation, with more compromised viability of MRSA. Dressings showed a similar capability to reduced and eliminate toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1) at day 7 post-burn in the animal model but not at day 4, where the SIF dressing was more potent Conclusion: These results confirm the advantages of using silver in reducing bacterial load in wound treatment, except for conditions of highly exuding wounds where the cytotoxic properties of silver may offset these advantages and HC dressing use is more suitable.

Sprayable Carbopol hydrogel with soluble beta-1,3/1,6-glucan as an active ingredient for wound healing – Development and in-vivo evaluation

Chronic wounds represent a significant health problem worldwide. There is a need for advanced- and cost-efficient wound healing products able to increase patient comfort and reduce the healing time. The aim of this study was to develop a sprayable hydrogel dressing with beta-glucan (βG) as the active ingredient, targeting future application in the treatment of both chronic and burn wounds. The βG was chosen as an active ingredient because of its promising wound healing capabilities, whereas Carbopol 971P NF (Carbopol) was chosen as the thickening agent in the formulation due to several attractive characteristics such as its low viscosity, low toxicity, high transparency and good ion tolerance. Four different hydrogel formulations were prepared with varying Carbopol concentrations. The higher Carbopol concentration, 0.5% (w/w), was used to prepare three formulations comprising the HighCP:NoβG, HighCP:LowβG and the HighCP:MediumβG formulation, respectively. Lower Carbopol concentration, 0.25% (w/w), was used to prepare the LowCP:HighβG formulation. The content of βG varied from 0.25% in the HighCP:LowβG, 0.5% in the HighCP:MediumβG and 1.0% (w/w) in the LowCP:HighβG formulation, respectively. The first part of the study focused on the rheological characterization of the hydrogels and the fluid affinity testing. All formulations were confirmed to be stable gels; the βG was shown to augment the gel strength by increasing the yield strength of the gel in a dose dependent manner. The stability of the formulations containing either Carbopol alone or in a combination with βG did not deteriorate over 26weeks, and the fluid donation and absorption study indicated a fluid donation profile, which favors healing of dry wounds. The in vivo efficacy of the formulations, evaluated in the modified diabetic male mice (db/db mice), showed that Carbopol alone was unable to induce improved healing and caused adverse reactions in some wounds. The inclusion of βG increased the epithelialization and wound contraction in the db/db mice when given at high βG:Carbopol ratio. The positive effect of βG was, however, not sufficient to counteract the adverse effect of Carbopol, thus a more suitable thickening agent should be investigated for further development of a sprayable wound care product.

Ion activation energy delivered to wounds by atmospheric pressure dielectric-barrier discharges: sputtering of lipid-like surfaces

The application of atmospheric pressure plasmas to human tissue has been shown to have therapeutic effects for wound healing and in treatment of skin diseases. These effects are attributed to production of UV photon fluxes, electric fields and beneficial radicals which intersect with biological reaction chains, and to energetic ions bombarding the surface. In this paper we report on results from a computational investigation of the ion energy and angular distributions (IEADs) in a dielectric-barrier discharge sustained in air incident directly on cell membranes for small dry and wet wounds in human skin. We found that ion energies in excess of 20–30 eV can be delivered onto cell membranes of dry wounds, and up to 60 eV onto the liquid interface of the wet wound. The details of the IEADs depend on the orientation of the cell membrane and on the relative location of the plasma streamer to the wound. Using results from a molecular dynamics simulation of ion sputter probabilities of typical lipid-like material, we show that prolonged exposure of the cell membrane to such IEADs can produce significant carbon removal.

Comparison of Healing Parameters in Porcine Full-Thickness Wounds Transplanted with Skin Micrografts, Split-Thickness Skin Grafts, and Cultured Keratinocytes

Transplantation of skin micrografts (MGs), split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs), or cultured autologous keratinocytes (CKs) enhances the healing of large full-thickness wounds. This study compares these methods in a porcine wound model, investigating the utility of micrograft transplantation in skin restoration. Full-thickness wounds were created on Yorkshire pigs and assigned to one of the following treatment groups: MGs, STSGs, CKs, wet nontransplanted, or dry nontransplanted. Dry wounds were covered with gauze and the other groups' wounds were enclosed in a polyurethane chamber containing saline. Biopsies were collected 6, 12, and 18 days after wounding. Quantitative and qualitative wound healing parameters including macroscopic scar appearance, wound contraction, neoepidermal maturation, rete ridge formation, granulation tissue thickness and width, and scar tissue formation were studied. Transplanted wounds scored lower on the Vancouver Scar Scale compared with nontransplanted wounds, indicating a better healing outcome. All transplanted wounds exhibited significantly lower contraction compared with nontransplanted wounds. Wounds transplanted with either MGs, STSGs, or CKs showed a significant increase in re-epithelialization compared with nontransplanted wounds. Wounds transplanted with MGs or STSGs exhibited improved epidermal healing compared with nongrafted wounds. Furthermore, transplantation with STSGs or MGs led to less scar tissue formation compared with the nontransplanted wounds. No significant impact on scar formation was observed after transplantation of CKs. Qualitative and quantitative measurements collected from full-thickness porcine wounds show that transplantation of MGs improve wound healing parameters and is comparable to treatment with STSGs.

Comparison of healing parameters of full thickness wounds transplanted with micrografts, spit thickness skin grafts or cultured keratinocytes

INTRODUCTION: Transplantation of split-thickness skin grafts, culturedautologouskeratinocytesandskinmicrograftsresultinhealing of full-thickness wounds. This study compares these methods in a porcine wound model, investigating the utility of micrograft transplantation in skin restoration. METHODS: Full-thickness wounds were created on Yorkshire pigs and assigned to one of the following treatment groups: meshed splitthickness skin graft (STSG), cultured autologous keratinocytes (CK), skin micrografts (MG), wet environment (W) and dry environment (D). Dry wounds were covered with gauze and the other groups were enclosed in a polyurethane chamber containing 2 mL of saline. Samples were taken 6, 12 and 18 days post wounding. Macroscopic wound healing was quantified using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Wound healing parameters such as contraction, reepithelialization, epidermal characteristics and scar formation was determined by quantitative morphometric or morphologic analysis. RESULTS: Grafted wounds had a lower VSS score compared to non-grafted wounds (STSG:4, CK:6, MG:3, W:8.5, D:10, unwounded skin:0). Wounds grafted with STSG and MG showed significantly reduced contraction compared to non-grafted wounds (STSG:25%, CK:35%, MG:28%, W:43%, D:44%). All grafted wounds showed increased epidermal healing compared to nongrafted wounds. Furthermore, transplantation with STSG or MG led to less scar tissue formation compared to the non-grafted wounds andnosignificantimpactonscarformationwasobservedaftertransplantation of CK.