Modern Wound Dressings Research Articles

Modifications of Wound Dressings with Bioactive Agents to Achieve Improved Pro-Healing Properties

The great variety of wounds and the lack of an effective universal treatment method has resulted in high demand for modern treatment strategies. Traditional approaches are often ineffective on a variety of chronic wounds, such as venous ulcers or the diabetic foot ulcer. There is strong evidence that naturally derived bioactive compounds have pro-healing properties, raising a great interest in their potential use for wound healing. Plant-derived compounds, such as curcumin and essential oils, are widely used to modify materials applied as wound dressings. Moreover, dressing materials are more often enriched with vitamins (e.g., L-ascorbic acid, tocopherol) and drugs (e.g., antibiotics, inhibitors of proteases) to improve the skin healing rate. Biomaterials loaded with the above-mentioned molecules show better biocompatibility and are basically characterized by better biological properties, ensuring faster tissue repair process. The main emphasis of the presented review is put on the novel findings concerning modern pro-healing wound dressings that have contributed to the development of regenerative medicine. The article briefly describes the synthesis and modifications of biomaterials with bioactive compounds (including curcumin, essential oils, vitamins) to improve their pro-healing properties. The paper also summarizes biological effects of the novel wound dressings on the enhancement of skin regeneration. The current review was prepared based on the scientific contributions in the PubMed database (supported with Google Scholar searching) over the past 5 years using relevant keywords. Scientific reports on the modification of biomaterials using curcumin, vitamins, and essential oils were mainly considered.

Highly Porous and Superabsorbent Biomaterial Made of Marine-Derived Polysaccharides and Ascorbic Acid as an Optimal Dressing for Exuding Wound Management.

There are many modern wound dressings that have promising properties for repairing skin damage. However, due to various types of wounds and the problems they cause, there is still a great demand for new, effective healing strategies. The aim of this study was to create superabsorbent wound dressing made of marine-derived polysaccharides (agarose and chitosan) using the freeze-drying method. The secondary goal was its comprehensive evaluation for potential use as an external superabsorbent bandage for wounds with high exudation. Due to the well-known positive effect of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the healing process, biomaterial enriched with vitamin C was prepared and compared to the variant without the addition of ascorbic acid. It was shown that the produced foam-like wound dressing had a very porous structure, which was characterized by hydrophilicity, allowing a large amount of human fluids to be absorbed. According to in vitro tests on human fibroblasts, biomaterial was nontoxic and supportive to cell proliferation. Vitamin C-enriched dressing also had the ability to significantly reduce matrix metalloproteinase-2 production and to promote platelet-derived growth factor-BB synthesis by fibroblasts, which is desired during chronic wound treatment. The material has features of the eco-friendly wound care product since it was made of naturally-derived polysaccharides and was proved to be biodegradable. Importantly, despite degradable character, it was stable in the chronic and infected wound microenvironment, maintaining high integrity after 8-week incubation in the enzymatic solutions containing lysozyme and collagenases. The obtained results clearly showed that developed biomaterial possesses all necessary features of the external dressing for the management of exudate from both acute and chronic non-healing wounds.

Investigations on the impact of the introduction of the Aloe vera into the hydrogel matrix on cytotoxic and hydrophilic properties of these systems considered as potential wound dressings

In the paper, synthesis of chitosan-based hydrogels modified with Aloe vera juice is presented. The novelty of the research was a combination of hydrogel materials with properties beneficial in viewpoint of their use as modern wound dressings and Aloe vera juice supporting the wound healing process. Hydrogels have been obtained via UV radiation. The impact of the amount of the crosslinking agent as well as the introduction of the Aloe vera juice into the hydrogel matrix has been determined. Performed measurements involved analysis of the swelling ability, characteristics of the surface roughness, determining the release profile of Aloe vera and the contact angles of hydrogels. Furthermore, the analysis of the dehydration process of the polymer membrane, investigations on the cytotoxicity of hydrogels via MTT reduction assay and the neutral red uptake assay as well as the studies on the pro-inflammatory activity have also been performed. It was proved that the addition of Aloe vera juice improves the hydrophilic properties of the materials (e.g. contact angle changed from 82.5° to 73.0°). Next, the use of 25% more of the crosslinker resulted even in the increase of the contact angle by 86%. Modified hydrogels showed higher swelling properties even by 15% than unmodified materials. Furthermore, obtained hydrogels show an ability to release Aloe vera – after 5 h approx. 80% of this additive has been released in an acidic environment. Tested materials do not exhibit cytotoxic properties, the addition of Aloe vera results in an improvement of the viability of L929 murine fibroblasts and, importantly, these materials show lower pro-inflammatory activity than the positive control. Performed investigations allow to state that obtained materials show a great application potential.

Development of Novel Adhesive Bilayer Lyophilized Wafer of Moxifloxacin as a Modern Wound Dressing.

Wound healing is a complex process and is influenced by different factors. Aimed to enhance the wound healing procedure, the Moxifloxacin bilayer wafer was designed, optimized and evaluated as an advanced wound healing dressing. The wafers were prepared by the lyophilization and casting method. Optimization was done according to the results of bioadhesion force, swelling index, release rate, T40 and T90 (the time to reach 40% and 90% of release). The optimized wafer was evaluated against in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy using the disc diffusion method and histologic evaluation after application on the wound. The optimized formulation contained HPMC, MC, gelatin and PVP with mounts of 50 mg, 25 mg, 2 mg and 10 mg respectively. The hydrophilic bilayer wafer is adhered to the wound up to the end of wound healing. Application of optimized formulation led to the healing of wound 6 days faster without any sign of infection. The application of this wafer promoted wound healing and epithelium regeneration without any inflammation.

A modern approach to the treatment of burns

Background. Wound healing as soon as possible is an ultimate goal of treating patients with burns. European guidelines of recent years state that a humid environment is optimal for the treatment of burns.
 Objective. To describe the modern approach to the treatment of burns.
 Materials and methods. Analysis of literature sources on this topic.
 Results and discussion. Over the last 15 years, there has been a significant breakthrough in the armamentarium of wound dressings (WD). The main advantages of modern WD include simplification of the dressing procedure, control of infection, removal of secretions from the wound, creating a favorable environment for healing, and accelerating the cleansing or healing of wounds. Such WD include skin substitutes and interactive dressings. Skin substitutes are divided into synthetic, biological and combined, as well as in temporary and permanent. Dressings, in turn, can be super-absorbent, spongy, hydrocolloid, gel, atraumatic mesh, semi-permeable, etc. After treating wounds with an aqueous antiseptic, such as Dekasan (“Yuria-Pharm”), the exfoliated epidermis is removed and an atraumatic dressing is applied. Sometimes a single application is sufficient for epithelialization of superficial wounds. Dermal burns affecting the epidermis and dermis are burns with incomplete injury depth and can heal on their own. After dermabrasion, the lyophilized xenoskin is soaked in saline with the addition of Dekasan and instantly fixed to the wound surface. Subsequently, the wound is healed by primary tension. Dermabrasion of the wound can be performed mechanically (dry napkin, wet napkin with Dekasan, brush or metal sponge) or surgically (scalpel, dermatome, Water Jet device). Nowadays, it is believed that the creation of a moist environment above the surface of the burn allows epithelial cells to spread horizontally on a thin layer of wound exudate, accelerating wound healing. Hydrogel dressings and shape-resistant hydrogel coatings are widely used in the treatment of limited superficial and border burns. In the exudation phase, a wound coating with nanosilicon is used, which actively absorbs the wound exudate. There are also hydrogel face masks, which have a prolonged effect, cool the damaged area in 60 seconds, eliminate pain, prevent blisters, reduce the likelihood of infection and the spread of burns deep into the tissues. The process of tissue repair and wound healing consists of three phases, which are interrelated and may coincide in time: the inflammatory phase, the proliferation phase and the remodeling phase. Wound healing is affected by the pH of the environment, as many processes, namely, activity of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors, activity of fibroblasts, microbial proliferation, depend on this factor. Interactive WD change the pH of the wound.
 Conclusions. 1. WD, which support wounds in a humid environment, are an effective means of regulating the wound process. 2. Low pH of wounds changes the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora, reduces the microbial contamination of wounds in 100 times. 3. Keeping wounds under modern WD does not increase the level of endogenous intoxication, but on the contrary, improves the course of burn disease. 4. Humid environment promotes the penetration of neutrophilic granulocytes with high enzymatic activity.

МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ПРОЦЕСІВ ВОЛОГОПЕРЕНОСУ В БАГАТОШАРОВИХ АПЛІКАЦІЙНИХ МАТЕРІАЛАХ МЕДИЧНОГО ПРИЗНАЧЕННЯ

To carry out modeling of moisture transfer processes in multilayer medical application materials for forecasting of targeted transport of drugs of a certain effective concentration into the lesion center, based on the geometric parameters of the wounds. Using digital image processing techniques in a computer environment have developed methods for designing three-dimensional fluid propagation effects in multilayer medical wound dressings. Modern wound dressings have been found to be multilayer multidimensional compositions with complex fluid kinetics. Additionally, the wounds on the human body itself have a complex space geometric shape. This requires taking into account the volumetric effects when analyzing and forecasting the processes of wetting and fluid flow in such systems. An algorithm for ordering the boundary of a wound by digital photography with the subsequent processing of a wound image in a computer environment is proposed. To evaluate the moisture transport properties for the controlled release of medicinal substances at the desired concentration in different layers of wound dressings, an experiment was made with wetting from two and three sources, followed by three-dimensional modeling. It has been experimentally found that the parameters of the layered distribution of liquid moisture in multilayer dressings vary significantly.. The results of the simulation are suitable for making prompt decisions about the type, the required geometric parameters of medical materials and wound dressings. The proposed method of establishing the real geometry of the wound, together with three-dimensional modeling, allows to predict the exact boundaries of the application of the drug, to calculate its required amount and time of movement to the wound. Using 3D computer graphics of discrete objects, methods have been developed to predict the conditions for the reliable functioning of multilayer dressings. Investigated processes of transport and distribution of liquid moisture can be used in the selection of components of the raw material composition, structure and number of layers of multilayer wound dressings, taking into account the real geometric profile of the wound.

Modern approaches to treatment of superficial dermal burns

Objective. The aim of the study is improving the treatment’s effectiveness in patients with superficial dermal burns due to the usage of modern wound dressings.
 Materials and methods. Under observation were 150 patients with superficial dermal thermal lesions with an area of 5-30 % of the body surface aged 10-64 years, who were treated at the Kyiv City Clinical Hospital № 2 during 2016-2019. The main group consisted of 120 patients, whose burn’s treatment provided under wound dressings in a humid environment (hydrogel, spongy polyurethane foam, film coatings). Comparison group – 30 patients whose wounds were treated by applying wet-drying bandages or bandages with water-soluble antibacterial ointments.
 Results and discussion. At the beginning of the treatment, the pH of the wound content of dermal burns was 7.9-8.1. On the 3rd day of treatment in patients of the main group, the pH of wounds under wound dressings was defined as acidic (5.7). In patients of the comparison group on the 3rd and 4th day the pH of the wounds was determined as alkaline, and only on the 6th day it became slightly acidic. As the pH of the wounds increased, the rate of healing decreased. In the phase of acute inflammation and exudation, the pH of superficial dermal burns was alkaline 7.8-8.2, in the proliferation phase, under the wound coverings – acidic (5.5-4.1). The use of wound dressings led to a decrease in the number of microbial association in patients to 1.1±0.4 on 9-11th days after injury, the colonization of wound surfaces changed slightly to 3×102 per 1 g. In contrast, in patients of the comparison group in the sequestration period of superficial necrotic scab increased the number of microbial associates to 2.8±0.7, wound colonization increased to 105 per 1 g of tissue. The time of epithelialization with the use of wound dressings was 13.8±1.7 days, in patients of another group – 19.4±2.5 days.
 Conclusions. Wound dressings that keep the wound moist are an effective way to influence the wound process, which can be regulated. In the treatment of superficial dermal burns under wound dressings there is a change of the alkaline reaction to acidy, which stimulates wound healing. Wound management in a wet closed chamber changes the qualitative and quantitative composition of the wound microflora, reduces the microbial contamination of burn wounds by two orders of magnitude. Superficial dermal burns heal under wound dressings for 13.8 days against 19.4 in traditional treatment.

Sulfated Polysaccharides from Marine Algae as a Basis of Modern Biotechnologies for Creating Wound Dressings: Current Achievements and Future Prospects.

Wound healing involves a complex cascade of cellular, molecular, and biochemical responses and signaling processes. It consists of successive interrelated phases, the duration of which depends on a multitude of factors. Wound treatment is a major healthcare issue that can be resolved by the development of effective and affordable wound dressings based on natural materials and biologically active substances. The proper use of modern wound dressings can significantly accelerate wound healing with minimum scar mark. Sulfated polysaccharides from seaweeds, with their unique structures and biological properties, as well as with a high potential to be used in various wound treatment methods, now undoubtedly play a major role in innovative biotechnologies of modern natural interactive dressings. These natural biopolymers are a novel and promising biologically active source for designing wound dressings based on alginates, fucoidans, carrageenans, and ulvans, which serve as active and effective therapeutic tools. The goal of this review is to summarize available information about the modern wound dressing technologies based on seaweed-derived polysaccharides, including those successfully implemented in commercial products, with a focus on promising and innovative designs. Future perspectives for the use of marine-derived biopolymers necessitate summarizing and analyzing results of numerous experiments and clinical trial data, developing a scientifically substantiated approach to wound treatment, and suggesting relevant practical recommendations.

Karakteristik Luka Dan Penggunaan Balutan Luka Modern

Abstract
 The most frequent injuries are chronic wounds, where the number is increasing every year. The most common type of wound is diabetic ulcer and the next is cancerous wound. Each wound has different characteristics, so the treatment of each wound is also different. There are various dressings in modern wound care, where each bandage has different indications according to the characteristics of the wound, it is necessary to do research on the characteristics of the wound and the use of modern wound dressing. The purpose of the study To describe the characteristics of wounds and the use of modern wound dressing in the Salud Wound Care Clinic, Kartasura. Research subjects: patients undergoing wound care at the Salud Wound Care Clinic, a total of 9 respondents. Method: Descriptive analytic. Research Results: The types of wounds treated were diabetic ulcer wounds, postoperative wounds, cancer wounds, and decubitus wounds, wound duration varied from 2 weeks to 1 year. Types of wound dressing used were foam, alginate, and hybrid technology dressing, there was a decrease the size of the wound area with a mean of 14,69 to 11,61, the majority of wounds in stage 2, the basic color of the wound is red, and the type of exudate is serous. Conclusion: There is a reduction in wound size, stage, and the wound exudate, as well as repairing the wound’s basic color with wound care using modern wound dressing.
 Keywords: modern wound dressing, wound characteristics.

A Narrative Review on Modern Wound Dressing for Diabetes Mellitus Wound

Introduction: Diabetic foot is a wide-ranging term for foot disorders includes infection, ulceration, or destruction of deep tissue due to peripheral neuropathy and ischemia from peripheral vascular disease. Wound dressings play a significant part in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Modern wound dressing which is commonly known as the moist wound dressing can be better optional than the conservative one for the DFU. Aim: This study aimed to review the available articles on modern wound dressing for diabetes mellitus wound. Method: A total of six articles were reviewed and explained under the findings and discussion part of this study. The published articles from the year 2008 onwards are included in this narrative review. Result: Overall, it is evident that using of modern wound dressing can make sure excellent wound surroundings, avoid complications, improvement of quality of life of patients and aid the healing of DFU providing that the patient’s glycemic level is controlled. Conclusion: The process of wound healing in DFU is not static and it requires an appropriate environment at each stage of the healing process. And also a reasonable approach to the selection of dressing for certain types of wounds should be clarified. However, further study needs to be carried out to prove the current finding.

Just a Flesh Wound? A Detailed Review of Modern Dressings

Dressings are employed across the world as a ubiquitous form of wound treatment in the 21st century. However, the differences between the thousands of wound dressing products currently available on the market can be difficult for clinicians to understand. Common categories of dressings include bioactive, hydrocolloids, hydrogels, alginate-based gels and semi-permeable films among others. However, understanding each dressing’s characteristics is crucial for clinicians to providing the highest standard of care to their patients. This review will highlight the important compositional differences among the most common variants of modern wound dressings and discuss the implications on their clinical applications and antimicrobial properties. As new material is introduced and novel concepts in microbiology are illuminated, more researchers will seek to apply their knowledge to the research and development of modern wound dressings. This review hopes to inspire and guide future studies of wound dressings in an interesting and meaningful direction.

Silver loaded hydroxyethylacryl chitosan/sodium alginate hydrogel films for controlled drug release wound dressings

Wound dressings composed of hydroxyethylacryl chitosan (HC) and sodium alginate (SA) were developed with antibacterial activity by loading Ag particles. The formation of Ag particle in the HC/SA films was achieved by an immersion method through in situ chemical reduction of AgNO3 solution and confirmed by FTIR, SEM-EDS, XRD and XRF techniques. The effect of Ag loading in the Ca-crosslinked HC/SA films with different crosslinking density was studied on swelling behavior, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity and drug release behavior. The results showed that Ag loading increased swelling degree in phosphate buffer and enhanced mechanical properties. The HC/SA films with Ag loading exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus as well as no toxicity on Vero cell. In vitro drug release profiles of the films were examined using para-acetylaminophenol, as a soluble model drug. The increase in crosslinking density and Ag loading prolonged drug releasing rate and almost the films showed linearity profiles. It can be concluded that the HC/SA films with Ag loading have a promising potential in modern wound dressings with antibacterial property and controlled drug release.

Polyelectrolyte Membrane with Hydroxyapatite and Silver Nanoparticles as a Material for Modern Wound Dressings.

Modern wound dressings not only play a covering role but also facilitate the function of the wound, contributing to a faster healing process. In this paper, we present a polyelectrolyte system with nanosized elements that could stimulate the growth of eukaryotic cells while providing antimicrobial properties, which may be recommended as a potential dressing material. The proposed platform consisted of polyethyleneimine, hydroxyapatite, and silver nanoparticles and was characterized using various macroscopic techniques. The constructed membrane scaffold was evaluated with immobilized WEHI 164 cells as a model system for cells sustained at the interface of bone and skin. Moreover, the bacteriostatic function of the designed membrane material was evaluated using different bacterial strains.

Modern and Classic Wound Dressing Comparison in Wound Healing, Comfort and Cost

Introduction: Wound care has also developed rapidly after the dissemination of the concept of TIME (Tissue, Infection, Moisture, and Wound Edge) in modern dressing (MD). The aim of this study was to compare modern dressings (MDs) and classic dressings (CDs) in terms of patient comfort, cost effectiveness and wound healing.Methods: A prospective study design with total of 25 participants. The sampling technique used was consecutive sampling. Patient comfort was assessed through the frequency of wound care and pain scale using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Cost-effectiveness was assessed using direct and indirect costs. Wound healing was assessed using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) score. The data was analyzed using the independent t and Mann-Whitney tests.Results: In terms of comfort, the mean for the number of times that wound care was performed and the pain scale in the participants using MD was (3.07 ± 0.88 times and VAS 4.59 ± 0.72, respectively), which is less compared to using CD (4.60 ± 1.84 times each and VAS 5.43 ± 0.75). Referring to the indirect and direct costs, MD (13.67 ± 6.09 and 527.63 ± 84.47, respectively) has the same cost-effectiveness as CD (14.00 ± 7.64 and 482.68 ± 98.08, respectively). In terms of healing, the mean of the BWAT score in MD (31.26 ± 1.69) was better compared to CD (33.07 ± 1.65).Conclusion: The application of MD has the same cost-effectiveness as CD with a more satisfactory outcome for the wounds in terms of comfort and healing.

Selection of Appropriate Wound Dressing for Various Wounds.

There are many factors involved in wound healing, and the healing process is not static. The therapeutic effect of modern wound dressings in the clinical management of wounds is documented. However, there are few reports regarding the reasonable selection of dressings for certain types of wounds in the clinic. In this article, we retrospect the history of wound dressing development and the classification of modern wound dressings. In addition, the pros and cons of mainstream modern wound dressings for the healing of different wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns and scalds, and chronic leg ulcers, as well as the physiological mechanisms involved in wound healing are summarized. This article provides a clinical guideline for selecting suitable wound dressings according to the types of wounds.

Human Dermal Fibroblast Viability and Adhesion on Cellulose Nanomaterial Coatings: Influence of Surface Characteristics.

Biodegradable and renewable materials, such as cellulose nanomaterials, have been studied as a replacement material for traditional plastics in the biomedical field. Furthermore, in chronic wound care, modern wound dressings, hydrogels, and active synthetic extracellular matrices promoting tissue regeneration are developed to guide cell growth and differentiation. Cells are guided not only by chemical cues but also through their interaction with the surrounding substrate and its physicochemical properties. Hence, the current work investigated plant-based cellulose nanomaterials and their surface characteristic effects on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) behavior. Four thin cellulose nanomaterial-based coatings produced from microfibrillar cellulose (MFC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and two TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNF) with different total surface charge were characterized, and HDF viability and adhesion were evaluated. The highest viability and most stable adhesion were on the anionic CNF coating with a surface charge of 1.14 mmol/g. On MFC and CNC coated surfaces, HDFs sedimented but were unable to anchor to the substrate, leading to low viability.

ADIE - Nursing Interventions of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: An Integrative Review of the Literature.

Diabetic foot ulcer is recognized as a consequence of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease amid individuals with diabetes. As is well known, this situation still remains a crucial problem in nursing practice. Available studies describing an algorithm of inter- related nursing interventions concerned with diabetic foot ulcers are limited. Therefore, this integrative review was aimed to present evidence-based practice for overcoming the complications of diabetic foot ulcer as well as preventing lower extremity amputation. This integrative review retrieved scientific literature from PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, SAGE Publishing and ScienceDirect databases as published from 2008 to 2017. Thirty-seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Our findings present that neurologic and circulatory assessments were considered as primary steps prior to conducting interventions. Formulating a diagnosis based upon the assessment results is a principal part to determine appropriate interventions. Multiple experimental studies displayed the effectiveness of certain interventions consist of applying wound cleansing, advanced modern wound dressing, topical therapy, offloading, intensive diabetes education and advanced treatment modalities. Hemoglobin A1c, high-density lipoprotein, procalcitonin, the potential of hydrogen of wound fluid, wound size, neurological and circulatory status were determined as the outcomes measurement which must be correctly evaluated. This review contributes an algorithm for intervening diabetic foot ulcer thereby generating the given name: ADIE (Assessment, Diagnosis, Interventions, and Evaluation). A collaborative care amid multidisciplinary diabetes team is needed for implementing along with evaluating the feasibility of the study findings. Moreover, active family participation also plays a crucial role to achieve successful management of diabetic foot ulcer at home.

Modern Wound Dressings and their Application

Introdution: Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process, which requires to be prepared a suitable environment to promote healing process. Wound dressing is one of the most important external factors affecting the wound healing process. With the advancement in technology, more than 1000 types of modern wound dressings have been developed. Wound dressings are either based on natural materials or on the basis of synthetic and chemical materials. In addition to the protective and covering role, which modern wound dressings play, they have a chemical and physical interaction with wound bed addition. They carry antibiotics, drugs and nanoparticles and play an important role in maintaining moisture or hydration the wound; all of these factors can facilitate the wound healing process. In this study, the wound healing process and the properties of wound dressings were presented first and then the types of wound dressings and their applications were investigated. This study, with comprehensive information on the types of modern wound dressings and their advantages and drawbacks, will help a physician in the proper selection of an appropriate wound dressing.

Evaluation of bioactive compounds-loaded chitosan films as a novel and potential diabetic wound dressing material

Delayed wound healing is a major complication of diabetes and the medical treatment of such wounds still remains a challenge. Among the modern wound dressings, film dressings are considered to be one of the major advances in wound management. In the current study, the feasibility of using a previously developed and optimized bioactive compounds-loaded chitosan film formulation as a functional wound dressing material for diabetic wounds was investigated. The antioxidant capacity, as well as the effect of the chitosan films on cell viability was assessed in vitro. Furthermore, the in vivo performance of the films was further evaluated, by using a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The chitosan film formulation provided a beneficial moist wound environment, reducing the risk of dehydration and favouring the closure of the wounds. Also, it exhibited good antioxidant activity, as well as a proliferative effect and adequate biocompatibility. The in vivo evaluation of the bioactive compounds-loaded chitosan film formulation confirmed that the biofilm stimulated wound contraction and accelerated the wound healing process. The results strongly support that the above mentioned chitosan film seems to be a promising formulation, as well as a potential and novel biomaterial used for wound healing applications.

In vitro biosafety of pro-ecological chitosan-based hydrogels modified with natural substances.

Hydrogels belong to the group of materials with growing interest on the market of polymers. In this article, hydrogels based on Beetosan were obtained using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Main component of hydrogel matrix-Beetosan-is chitosan obtained from naturally died honeybees. Such hydrogels were modified with active substances, that is, caffeine, bee pollen, Salvia officinalis (sage), and Aloe vera juice. Next, the analysis of cytotoxicity of hydrogels in relation to murine fibroblasts by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and neutral red uptake assays were conducted. Furthermore, surface morphology, tensile strength, geometry, and roughness of hydrogels were characterized. Hydrogels did not show cytotoxicity to recommended L929 murine fibroblasts. These polymers did not affect adversely the growth and viability of these cells. Moreover, Beetosan hydrogels were characterized by flexibility as well as by diversified surface morphology that could indicate their high absorbency. Therefore these materials may be considered as useful for biomedical purposes with special emphasis on application as modern wound dressings that not only absorb wound exudate but also contain natural substances with therapeutic properties that is beneficial from the point of view of wound healing process.