Janus Paper‐Based Wound Dressings for Effective Exudate Absorption and Antibiotic Delivery

Abstract

Traditional hydrophilic wound dressings, while common, fail to effectively drain wound exudate, creating conditions favorable for bacterial growth. Similarly, newer Janus‐type dressings with hydrophobic‐hydrophilic properties also fall short, as their hydrophobic side causes excessive dryness by pulling biofluids from the wound, disrupting moisture balance. Additionally, embedding antibiotics in dressings at fixed concentrations, regardless of the infection type, reduces effectiveness and contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. In response, a single‐layered Janus paper wound dressing, designed for efficient exudate absorption and precise antibiotic delivery, is developed. The approach differs from traditional Janus‐type dressings; a hydrophilic layer is placed directly against the wound for better moisture management, while antibiotics are applied through the hydrophobic layer. To further enhance exudate management, the hydrophilic section with four extra absorbent pads is extended. The dressing's antibiotic efficacy and dosage are tailored based on antibiotic susceptibility testing, ensuring targeted treatment. The selected antibiotic is manually added but automatically delivered directly to the wound bed. The in vitro and ex vivo evaluations, using bacterial cultures on agar and porcine skin assays, respectively, confirm the dressing's superior exudate drainage and its ability to inhibit pathogen growth and reproduction, marking a significant advancement in wound care.

Unlocking Wearable Microbial Fuel Cells for Advanced Wound Infection Treatment

“…The elaboration of the second strategic approach for our advanced wound dressing design is presented. Paper-based devices have garnered widespread application in the realms of bacterial detection and therapeutic interventions, attributed to their cost-effectiveness, inherent flexibility, disposability, and ease of modification. , Beyond these practical advantages, paper-based platforms bring forth several distinct benefits for wound dressing applications compared to traditional methods . These include superior biocompatibility, hypoallergenic properties, and a hygroscopic, breathable structure.…”

“…6 Consequently, throughout wound healing, an environment rich in nutrients, moisture, and warmth develops, providing the perfect conditions for pathogens to invade and multiply. 7,8 This complicates wound care, making it more challenging to manage effectively. In infected wounds, the predominant bacterial strains frequently identified are the Gram-negative species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, alongside the Gram-positive species Staphylococcus aureus.…”

“…However, compromised skin integrity from injury disrupts those immune functions . Consequently, throughout wound healing, an environment rich in nutrients, moisture, and warmth develops, providing the perfect conditions for pathogens to invade and multiply. , This complicates wound care, making it more challenging to manage effectively. In infected wounds, the predominant bacterial strains frequently identified are the Gram-negative species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, alongside the Gram-positive species Staphylococcus aureus. , The progression of wound infection follows a continuum, initiating with “contamination,” evolving into “colonization,” and subsequently advancing to “local infection” as pathogens penetrate deeper into the wound tissue .…”