Fig. 13

Modifying traditional wound dressings (Graft). Schematic depictions of ways that current traditional wounds dressings have been modified to enhance their wound healing capabilities. (Film) Insertion of a plasticizing agent, such as glucose or other small molecules into a polymer network can prevent the alignment of polymer fibers and subsequently increasing the flexibility of film dressings. (Alginate) A number of ions have been investigated for wound healing capabilities, such as the use of magnesium to enhance angiogenic signaling via modulation of native endothelial cells, and silver as an antimicrobial agent that has been used for decades. (Foam) Depiction of an in situ curing/crosslinking foam that expands to fill the irregular contour of many wounds to increase surface contact area. Additionally, foams can be embedded with drugs and/or biologics that can subsequently be released into the wound bed to promote controlled wound regeneration. (Hydrocolloid) Recent investigations in hydrocolloids have shown how drugs, biologics, and platelets can be delivered into the wound bed. Platelets have been investigated as a rich source of growth factors and immunomodulatory compounds via degranulation of their intracellular cargo. Release of platelets can be controlled a number of ways, shown here is how absorption of wound exudate results in swelling of the colloidal network and subsequent release of platelets. (Smart Dressing) Smart dressings can, in theory, be incorporated into a number of different dressing types via insertion of a small, flexible electronics. Depicted here a bacterial compound sensing smart dressing that allows for real-time monitoring of wounds, such as burns, ulcers, or surgical, for bacterial infiltration. Upon detection a sensor can provide both a visual color change in the dressing, in addition to sending a signal to a phone app for outpatient monitoring, and a drug-eluting scaffold can then be triggered to release antimicrobial compounds. (Hydrogel) Schematic depiction of a hydrogel formulated to be deposited into a wound and then a secondary semi-permeable dressing can be applied superficially to protect the hydrogel. The hydrogel can be dosed with a number of bioactive compounds and cells, such as the use of angiogenic-primed stem cells. The angiogenic-primed stem cells demonstrate enhanced angiogenic activity within the wound and release compounds that promote neovascularization within the wound tissue