Biomimetic Adhesive with Antimicrobial Properties and the Ability to Promote Wound Healing
Abstract
Injured Warfighters with open wounds are highly susceptible to bacterial infection. Additionally, Warfighters with severe trauma are more susceptible to hospital-borne infections due to impaired immune response. It was reported that over 10% of hospitalized Soldiers became bacteremic and required prolonged hospitalization. While existing antimicrobial wound dressings has potential in limiting wound infections, they do not actively promote wound healing. There is an urgent need for inexpensive anti-pathogenic biomaterials that are biocompatible, can prevent infection, and can simultaneously promote wound healing. The proposed research is aimed at exploiting a unique chemistry found in mussel adhesive proteins to design anti-pathogenic biomaterials. This biomaterial takes the form of dry powder and generates hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) when it becomes hydrated. H2O2 is a broad spectrum biocide that is effective against a wide range of pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and fungi). H2O2 is naturally produced in our body as a disinfectant. H2O2 is also an important signaling molecule needed for promoting wound healing. In this proposal, the potential for the proposed biomaterials to simultaneously kill bacteria and promote healing is examined. This proposal is guided by three research objectives. The first objective is aimed at controlling release profile of H2O2 for a faster and more effective anti-pathogenic effect. Secondly, the ability for the release H2O2 in preventing the growth of and killing different strains of bacteria will be determined. Finally, the effect of the released H2O2 on cellular biology associated with wound healing will be evaluated. The most novel aspect of this work is that the proposed biomaterial does not contain a reservoir for storing H2O2. The dry powder is shelf-stable and only generates H2O2 when it is wetted in a bodily fluid (i.e., when directly applied to wound). As such, this material can potentially serve as a dry powder source of antipathogenic H2O2 that can be easily transported and applied in the battlefield. In addition to military used, this technology can be adopted in designing new biomaterials for clinical applications, such as tissue adhesive for surgery and wound dressings. These types of materials will not only have the ability to close wounds, but they can also actively prevent infection and promote healing. Specifically, they may potentially minimize hospital-borne infections and related complications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810610
Entities
People
- Bruce P Lee
Organizations
- Michigan Technological University
- United States Army