A new generation of liquid dressings for healing
A new generation of liquid dressings based on polymers was recently developed after many years of research and the collaboration of several laboratories. These new liquid dressings work to hydrate, cleanse and stimulate cell development . They help to quickly promote healing in the case of chronic wounds, post-surgery wounds, skin ulcers or bedsores .Liquid polymer dressings
This new generation of dressings uses natural polymers . Polymers are macromolecules that have the ability to establish strong bonds with specific molecules. They were selected to target proteins involved in inflammation and degradation of the extracellular matrix , on which skin cells grow. They therefore act simultaneously on several targets.
- Inhibit inflammation proteins
When a wound is established, many so-called pro-inflammatory proteins , that is to say which promote inflammation, are secreted. The more abundant these are, the more difficult the healing will be . This new liquid dressing technology incorporates polymers that will specifically target these proteins. They will establish connections with pro-inflammatory cytokines and interleukins (IL-4, 6, 10 and TNF-α) and thus inhibit their activities. However, this activity, alone, is far from being effective without association with renewal of the extracellular matrix.
- Prevent the degradation of the extracellular matrix
The extracellular matrix is the support on which the cell develops . Without this support it is impossible for a cell to multiply. In chronic wounds or pressure sores , proteins called metalloproteinases (MMP) are released in abundance and degrade this matrix. This is why the wound becomes chronic and bedsores have difficulty healing. Not all metalloproteases degrade this matrix; some, on the contrary, will promote its development. It is therefore necessary to specifically target certain metalloproteases (MMP-1,2,8,14 and 19) specifically. Until today, no treatment was able to specifically target these metalloproteases . Some treatments are capable of inhibiting them all. But this is counterproductive, because the metalloproteinases that promote the development of the extracellular matrix are also destroyed. This new polymer technology made it possible to select polymers capable of interacting only with metalloproteases which degrade the matrix . By inhibiting these and preserving the metalloproteases necessary for the development of the matrix, these liquid dressings can considerably promote healing.
Liquid dressings to promote cell development and healing
- Clean the wound of its contaminants
In addition to acting on inflammation proteins, a wound must be hydrated and protected from all external contaminants to heal properly. For this reason, polymers are incorporated into a film-forming glycerol, an innovation patented a few years ago by the French research laboratory Vitrobio. This film-forming glycerol constitutes the basis of the liquid dressing. It has an extremely high osmotic power, up to 10 times more than sea water. This osmotic power allows all contaminants from the wound or bedsor to be attracted to the outside. It allows you to clean the wound in depth and keep it perfectly hydrated.
- Have an antiseptic and antibacterial action
Film-forming glycerol has the particularity of being a very powerful antibacterial and antiseptic. It protects the cells and is absolutely not irritating to them. Glycerol is also the only substance that can be used to preserve cells over the long term. It is used, for example, for the transport of organs. Its antibacterial and antiseptic power makes it the ideal ally for cells.
The advantages of liquid dressings compared to traditional dressings
In a traditional dressing, it is much more difficult to incorporate substances such as polymers to target several specific types of proteins . In addition, traditional dressings considerably limit the passage of oxygen. However, oxygenation of the wound is essential at all times. A cell actually needs a sufficient supply of oxygen to carry out cell division. We can observe this phenomenon on a daily basis, for example following a cut where the wound closes much more quickly if it is left in the open air. The advantage of the liquid dressing is that it will promote the passage of air and thus provide the cells with the oxygen they need. Another advantage of the liquid dressing is its ease of use. You only need to apply it to the wound or on the bedsore for it to be effective.
