PEG-Containing Hydrogel Graft for Highly Exudating Wounds

Highly exudating wounds are particularly challenging to treat because the exudate can harbor bacteria and pathogens, promoting infection. It is known that chronic wounds are associated with higher levels of exudate production, which may impede healing because excess exudate slows down cell proliferation, interferes with growth factor availability, and contains elevated levels of inflammatory mediators and proteases.<br/>In this study, we developed a novel antimicrobial hydrogel from hybrid water soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG)-driven polymers to control moisture of the wound exudate with extended stability. Exudate control is demonstrated for two weeks periods across a range of pH values relevant to wounded and healing skin. Swelling analysis of the graft showed that the hydrogel can absorb 15-20 times its initial weight in PBS buffer at pH 5.5-8.5.<br/><br/>The hydrogel material was then used to create a multilayer wound dressing graft that helps tissue regeneration by controling exudate levels of the wound. This novel graft has the potential to be used in a variety of wounds ranging from ulcers in diabetics to burns in which excess amount of exudate is preventing the wound from healing in an effective manner.