Acylated Electrospun Biopolymer Membranes for Burn Wound Coverage, Infection Prevention, and Pain Relief
Abstract
Skin serves as a barrier to contaminating microorganisms that cause infection. Burned skin loses that barrier function, which increases risk for life-threatening infection, especially if bacteria attach to foreign objects such as debris or clothing. The primary goal of burn wound treatments is reestablishing this barrier. We propose a novel, naturally derived material to form a breathable dressing that temporarily reestablishes wound coverage and serves as a barrier to microorganisms. Burns require rapid intervention after injury to minimize the risk of life-threatening infection, as well as to manage pain. In combat conditions, specialized care for burn patients may be delayed for hours to days. Currently in prolonged field care, medical treatments for burn wounds include antimicrobial creams, ointments, or dressings. Current dressings may negatively affect healing and could damage unburned tissue. We propose that the novel dressing material can be loaded with pain relieving therapies and antimicrobial molecules. Local anesthetics may do more than numb pain for burn wounds: they also have antimicrobial properties, especially in combination with natural fatty acid antimicrobials. This novel therapeutic dressing for burn wounds addresses the topic areas of Coverage and Conversion in the Military Burn Research Program Idea Development Award. The proposed fiber dressing made out of a natural material has many pores to make it breathable, but those pores are smaller than the size of bacteria. This temporary coverage protects the wound from subsequent contamination. It can come pre-loaded with local anesthetics and/or antimicrobials to fight infection and to provide pain relief. The therapeutic effects of the dressing could improve blood flow and tissue viability during early points in treatment to prevent conversion of adjacent unburned tissue into damaged tissue. The dressing is easily transportable and packaged for inclusion in medical toolkits or emergency supplies, ready for use as soon as possible at the time of injury. The dressing is simply wrapped around the damaged tissue, facilitating use on oneself or by non-medical personnel. The dressing is active for up to 3 days, or until the patient arrives at a medical facility where specialized treatment for burns can be administered. Dressings may also be reapplied after wound cleaning and surgical procedures. This proposed research will determine effects of the novel dressings on wound healing, prevention of infection, and minimization of tissue damage. The benefits of this therapy for both military and civilian patients include its non-opioid pain management strategy, infection preventative properties, and healing advantages. Risks such as rare allergic reactions to local anesthetics or delivering too much of the drug can be minimized by limiting the dose contained within dressings. The proposed research to demonstrate benefits for burn wound healing of the components already available could result in a clinically viable product ready for military use within 3 years. Further preclinical and clinical research could expand the utility of this idea into other clinical applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010430
Entities
People
- Jessica Jennings
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Memphis