The objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing a newly developed family of microporous membranes for advanced wound management applications such as burn dressings. A silicone-based interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) has been developed, and the microporous membrane is capable of being coated on one side with a cross-linked network of collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). The moisture vapor transmission rate of the transparent IPN can be precisely controlled; furthermore, the material is an effective bacteria barrier and has excellent drapability characteristics. Studies of collagen/GAG-layered IPNs may reveal advantages for advanced wound treatment and should be pursued.This project will produce clinical grade prototypes, and clinical trials will be initiated in the future stages of this project. Collagen/GAG-coated IPN sheets will be produced in continuous lengths and taken up in rolls. In vitro characterization will indicate which samples are most promising, and clinical grade prototype dressings will be manufactured. This project is technologically innovative because the IPN material is novel and has not yet been thoroughly evaluated for wound dressing applications. The IPN composition is versatile, and the material exhibits interesting composite-style properties.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:The long-term objective of this project is to provide a material that can be used by burn and trauma surgeons for the treatment of severe wounds such as burns.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
