Development of a Synthetic Polymer Burn Covering.
Abstract
This contract year, the in vivo (burned rate model) evaluation of nine materials as wound coverings has resulted in the specifications of a totally synthetic polymer fabrication for the treatment of major skin wounds (e.g., burns). The specifications are: a velour/velveteen-type fabric backed by a 0.001 - 0.002 inch thick polymeric film. The material of choice is high molecular weight poly-eta-caprolactone (PCL). Preparation of such a covering is highly warranted and will be carried out during the first third of the coming year. In vivo testing under the direction of Dynatech and the preparation of samples for testing by NMRI will follow. In anticipation of such work, it was demonstrated that high molecular weight PCL can be hot-melt spun into fibers (Southern Research Institute) and knitted into fabric (Philadelphia School of Textiles). Polymerization reaction conditions which yielded high mol. wt. polymer were determined in our laboratory. During the second half of this year, PCL foam laminate was evaluated using an infected wound model and additional adherence tests. The PCL foam laminate was found lacking in wound/covering adhesion on the first day post graft. Apparently, in its tested form, the foam had not promoted the early ingrowth of fibrin. Since early ingrowth of fibrin is critical to the success of a wound covering, further development of the heretofore promising PCL foam laminate is not planned in this program. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 27, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA020528
Entities
People
- Arthur D. Schwope
- Donald L. Wise