Wound dressings for a proteolytic-rich environment

Abstract

Wound dressings have experienced continuous and significant changes over the years based on the knowledge of the biochemical events associated with chronic wounds. The development goes from natural materials used to just cover and conceal the wound to interactive materials that can facilitate the healing process, addressing specific issues in non-healing wounds. These new types of dressings often relate with the proteolytic wound environment and the bacteria load to enhance the healing. Recently, the wound dressing research is focusing on the replacement of synthetic polymers by natural protein materials to delivery bioactive agents to the wounds. This article provides an overview on the novel protein-based wound dressings such as silk fibroin keratin and elastin. The improved properties of these dressings, like the release of antibiotics and growth factors, are discussed. The different types of wounds and the effective parameters of healing process will be reviewed.

Polymers in Wound Repair

“…These biomaterials are processed in many ways to achieve natural-based wound dressings, templates for delivery of bioactive agents and scaffolds to support cellular growth. Fibrin-like haemostatic materials are useful for cleaning and treatment of full-thickness skin lesions [45], keratin-based matrices showed potential as chronic wound dressings because of their interaction with the proteolytic wound environment to facilitate the healing process [46], SF-containing films and sponges are being extensively investigated in animal models for both superficial and full-thickness skin defects healing [47][48][49], whereas electrospun nanofibres made entirely from a globular BSA are intended for suturing and acceleration of wound closure wound [50].…”

Wool‐derived keratin stimulates human keratinocyte migration and types IV and VII collagen expression

“…Keratin powder dressings have been shown to release keratin peptides into the wound, provide physical support to cell attachment, proliferation and survival and promote wound healing. Their non-immunogenic nature allows keratins to be well tolerated and incorporated by host tissues during reparative processes (5,6).…”

Development and bioevaluation of nanofibers with blood-derived growth factors for dermal wound healing

“…The aqueous environment resistant morphology of nanofibers 464 with incorporated PRP has not been published previously [15,32]. Since the wound exudate is not pure aqueous electrolyte solution, 466 but it is reach also in enzymes [35], further studies employing 467 natural or simulated wound exudate are needed to fully confirm 468 preservation of nanofiber morphology in in vivo conditions. During the production of nanofibers, PRP is exposed to stress 471 conditions, which can reduce its biological activity.…”

“…Its optimal concentration in growth medium was 2% (v/v) for 33 both types of skin cells, while higher concentrations caused alterations in cell morphology, with reduced 34 cell mobility and proliferation. In the next step hydrophilic nanofibers loaded with platelet-rich plasma 35 were produced from chitosan and poly(ethylene oxide), using electrospinning. The morphology of 36 nanofibers was stable in aqueous conditions for 72 h. It was shown that electrospinning does not 37 adversely affect the biological activity of platelet-rich plasma.…”