Development of a Synthetic Polymer Burn Covering.
Abstract
The objective of the program is the development of a synthetic polymer burn covering which will reduce dehydration, sepsis, sodium loss, scar formation and mortality of burn patients. Two approaches were successfully investigated. The first utilizes a solution of poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) which when applied immediately after burn by wiping or brushing, leaves a protective film of PCL after the solvent evaporates. This film reduces water loss and trauma from the burn and promotes healing. U.S. Patent 3835308 was issued January 27, 1976 covering this development. Initial reports from pig tests at NMRI indicated that the best PCL wipe-on coating tested gave significant improvements in healing and reduction of scar formation. The second approach involved the preparation of a synthetic temporary skin graft. This was made from a plasticized PCL film laminated to a cut plush fabric which in turn had been knitted from PCL fiber. The polymer for both film and fiber was high molecular weight PCL synthesized with the biocompatible initiator diethyl zinc. This laminate, particularly when cut on a bias, conforms well with minimum puckering to complex shapes such as a rat's back or a person's knee or elbow. A few days after application to full thickness excision wounds on rats the laminate can be removed with minimal damage to the new tissue formed beneath. The grafts were dry to the touch and well tolerated by most of the rats. No unusual inflammation was noted other than occasional slight pockets of infection where the grafts did not adhere to the rat's back due to creases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 17, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA049126
Entities
People
- D. L. Wise
- J. B. Gregory
- J. D. Gresser