Mechanical and biocompatible characterization of a cross-linked collagen-hyaluronic acid wound dressing.

Collagen scaffolds have been widely employed as a dermal equivalent to induce fibroblast infiltrations and dermal regeneration in the treatment of chronic wounds and diabetic foot ulcers. Cross-linking methods have been developed to address the disadvantages of the rapid degradation associated with collagen-based scaffolds. To eliminate the potential drawbacks associated with glutaraldehyde cross-linking, methods using a water soluble carbodiimide have been developed. In the present study, the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) hyaluronic acid (HA), was covalently attached to an equine tendon derived collagen scaffold using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) to create ntSPONGE The HA was shown to be homogeneously distributed throughout the collagen matrix. In vitro analyses of the scaffold indicated that the cross-linking enhanced the biological stability by decreasing the enzymatic degradation and increasing the thermal denaturation temperature. The material was shown to support the attachment and proliferation of mouse L929 fibroblast cells. In addition, the cross-linking decreased the resorption rate of the collagen as measured in an intramuscular implant model in rabbits. The material was also shown to be biocompatible in a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays. These results indicate that this cross-linked collagen-HA scaffold, ntSPONGE has the potential for use in chronic wound healing.

Osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity of NanoFUSE(®) DBM.

Bone graft substitutes have become an essential component in a number of orthopedic applications. Autologous bone has long been the gold standard for bone void fillers. However, the limited supply and morbidity associated with using autologous graft material has led to the development of many different bone graft substitutes. Allogeneic demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has been used extensively to supplement autograft bone because of its inherent osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. Synthetic and natural bone graft substitutes that do not contain growth factors are considered to be osteoconductive only. Bioactive glass has been shown to facilitate graft containment at the operative site as well as activate cellular osteogenesis. In the present study, we present the results of a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo characterization of a combination of allogeneic human bone and bioactive glass bone void filler, NanoFUSE(®) DBM. NanoFUSE(®) DBM is shown to be biocompatible in a number of different assays and has been cleared by the FDA for use in bone filling indications. Data are presented showing the ability of the material to support cell attachment and proliferation on the material thereby demonstrating the osteoconductive nature of the material. NanoFUSE(®) DBM was also shown to be osteoinductive in the mouse thigh muscle model. These data demonstrate that the DBM and bioactive glass combination, NanoFUSE(®) DBM, could be an effective bone graft substitute.

Extracellular Wound Matrices: Novel Stabilization and Sterilization Method for Collagen-based Biologic Wound Dressings.

Biologic extracellular matrix (ECM)-based wound dressings offer promise in the treatment of chronic wounds. A variety of animal and human tissue derived dressings are currently available. These products are processed and/or sterilized by a range of chemical and mechanical processes, which will impact the final quality of the matrices--ultimately affecting the overall wound healing process. A novel method is described to prepare a sterile and biocompatible biological wound dressing. The advantages and the clinical implications of this wound dressing preparation are also discussed.