A new generation of liquid dressings for healing
A new generation of polymer-based liquid dressings has recently been developed after many years of research and the collaboration of several laboratories. These new liquid dressings act to moisturize, clean and stimulate cell development . They help promote rapid healing in the case of chronic wounds, post-surgical wounds, skin ulcers or pressure sores .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 have been selected to target proteins involved in inflammation and the degradation of the extracellular matrix , on which skin cells develop. They therefore act simultaneously on several targets.
- Inhibit inflammation proteins
When a wound is installed, many so-called pro-inflammatory proteins , i.e. proteins that promote inflammation, are secreted. The more abundant these are, the more difficult healing will be . This new liquid dressing technology incorporates polymers that will specifically target these proteins. They will establish bonds 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 a renewal of the extracellular matrix.
- Prevent 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 in pressure sores , proteins called metalloproteases (MMPs) are released in abundance and degrade this matrix. This is why the wound becomes chronic and pressure sores 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 now, no treatment was able to specifically target these metalloproteases . Some treatments are able to inhibit them all. But this is counterproductive, because the metalloproteases that promote the development of the extracellular matrix are also destroyed. This new polymer technology has made it possible to select polymers capable of interacting only with metalloproteases that degrade the matrix . By inhibiting these and retaining the metalloproteases necessary for the development of the matrix, these liquid dressings can significantly promote healing.
Liquid dressings to promote cell development and healing
- Clean the wound of contaminants
In addition to acting on inflammatory 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 forms the basis of the liquid dressing. It has an extremely high osmotic power, up to 10 times more than seawater. This osmotic power attracts all contaminants from the wound or pressure ulcer to the outside. It thus allows the wound to be thoroughly cleaned and kept perfectly hydrated.
- Have an antiseptic and antibacterial action
Film-forming glycerol has the particularity of being a very powerful antibacterial and antiseptic. It protects 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.
Advantages of liquid dressing over traditional dressings
In a traditional dressing, it is much more difficult to incorporate substances such as polymers to target several types of specific proteins . In addition, the traditional dressing considerably limits the passage of oxygen. However, oxygenation of the wound is essential at all times. A cell needs a sufficient supply of oxygen to carry out its cell division. This phenomenon can be observed 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. It only needs to be applied to the wound or the pressure sore for it to be effective.
