HydroTac—a hydro-responsive wound dressing: a review of the in vitro evidence

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this review is to identify and summarise the key in vitro evidence available to support the use of HydroTac (HRWD-2) to address specific aspects associated with the treatment of both acute and hard-to-heal wounds. Background: The provision of a moist wound healing environment to support optimal wound healing has been a basic tenet in wound care since the pioneering work on the benefits of occlusion to support wound healing. Modern wound dressings have adopted the benefits of moist healing through their innovative development. HRWD-2 has been shown in clinical studies to enable and support good healing outcomes and the in vitro evidence in support of this dressing is presented in this article. Method: An online literature search (supplemented with a manual search of resources not available online) was conducted to identify articles and studies describing in vitro evidence in support of HRWD-2 in aspects important for promoting a healing response in the clinical environment. Results: In vitro studies showed that HRWD-2 contributes to balancing moisture levels and enhances the availability of growth factors known to be important for re-epithelialisation. Pre-clinical studies indicate that HRWD-2 enhances wound re-epithelialisation. Together these results suggest that HRWD-2 promotes a moist healing environment leading to the dressing supporting re-epithelialisation. In vitro data indicating an intrinsic lower in vitro adherence of HRWD-2 likely translate clinically to the benefits of an atraumatic wound dressing, including reduced pain (specifically at dressing change). Conclusion: The in vitro evidence presented in this review supports the successful clinical results reported for HRWD-2 in terms of fluid management, wound healing and pain reduction at dressing change.

Antimicrobial Activity of Blow Spun PLA/Gelatin Nanofibers Containing Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Wound Infection-Causing Bacteria

“…Advanced wound dressing plays an important role in surface protection, control of bacteriostatic activity, moisture retention, and shortening of tissue recovery period due to its excellent wound dressing properties [ 15 , 16 ]. The main role of wound dressing includes maintaining wound hydration, absorbing excess wound secretions, minimizing the impact on the wound site, and as a barrier to the entry of foreign microorganisms into the wound site [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. The nanofiber dressings as a product of nanotechnology were designed to decrease infection, irritation and improve wound healing by providing a positive environment in addition to their usual duties [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Hydro-responsive wound dressings for treating hard-to-heal wounds: a narrative review of the clinical evidence

“…33 A decrease in wound infections after treatment with HRWD1 was also observed in a multi-centre observational study in 170 patients with a variety of chronic wounds. 61 The number of wounds showing clinical signs of infection reduced from 53% to 9% in a study of patients (n=221) with chronic wounds treated with HRWD1 for 1 month. 62 And, in a prospective, non-comparative multi-centre observational study in 403 patients with a variety of chronic wounds, treatment with HRWD1 led to a reduction in the number of wounds with >50% devitalised tissue and a corresponding increase in the number of wounds with healthy granulation tissue.…”

“…33 Another study that measured pain throughout the study demonstrated a decrease in moderate pain experienced at dressing change from 28% of patients at the commencement of the study to 11% at the end of study. 61 In a single-centre observational study in patients with VLUs, 89% (33/37) of patients reported no or "slight" pain at HRWD1 dressing changes. 90 And in a multi-centre, non-comparative clinical evaluation of HRWD1 in a variety of acute and chronic wounds, it was found that no patients experienced pain at dressing changes.…”

“…57,58 This exchange occurs due to the higher affinity of the polyacrylate polymer for the protein in the wound exudate compared with the Ringer's solution salts. 61 This effect produces a continuous rinsing effect for supporting effective wound bed preparation.…”

“…Some clinical studies have demonstrated the excellent fluid management capabilities of HRWD1 and, in particular, the prevention of maceration and damage to peri-ulcer wound skin. 32,35,61,73 In a multicentre clinical evaluation (n=86), acute and chronic wounds of varying severity and duration were evaluated after treatment with HRWD1 using the PUSH assessment tool to monitor healing progression. 33 One component of the PUSH score relates to exudate and the study showed that the presence of wounds with significant exudate decreased from 95.3% to 59.3%.…”