Seventy percent of individuals with severe burns die from related infections, but a wound-dressing technology from Israel’s Tel Aviv University could cut that figure dramatically. Meital Zilberman, a professor in TAU’s department of biomedical engineering, has developed soluble fibers that can be used to deliver infection-fighting antibiotics and dissolve when the job is done. Now in clinical trials on animal models, Zilberman’s material may eliminate the constant wound cleaning and redressing that leads to infection, allowing the human body to complete the work on its own. The gentamicin-eluting bioresorbable structures are composed of a polyglyconate core and a porous poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PDLGA) shell loaded with the antibiotic agent gentamicin, prepared using freeze drying of inverted emulsions. The fibers are designed to be used as basic elements of bioresorbable burn and ulcer dressings.
A study published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research – Applied Biomaterials demonstrates that, after only two days, this dressing can eradicate infection-causing bacteria. “We’ve developed the first wound dressing that both releases antibiotic drugs and biodegrades in a controlled manner,” Zilberman says. “It solves current mechanical and physical limitations in wound-dressing techniques and gives physicians a new and more effective platform for treating burns and bedsores.” Zilberman is seeking a strategic partner to co-develop the research and take it to the commercial stage.
Source: Biomed Middle East and EurekAlert!