Wound-Care Technologies 15745Wound-Care Technologies

Originally Published MPMN September 2008

SPOTLIGHT

Wound-Care Technologies

Silicones

Designed to protect wounds and promote healing, a line of silicones is suited for use in wound-care applications. In addition to its biocompatibility, purity, and performance characteristics, Silpuran liquid silicone rubber features good vapor permeability that yields breathable medical dressings. Silicone-based dressings can be removed without inflicting trauma on the wound and can prevent wounds from reopening, according to the silicone supplier. By preserving the skin’s elasticity and preventing tissue from drying out, the material can also enable beneficial treatment of scars. The silicone is compliant with USP Class VI standards and select ISO 10993 tests.
Wacker Chemical Corp., Adrian, MI
www.wacker.com

Low-melt-point polyurethane films

Designed to expedite the heat-lamination process by requiring less heat for joining materials, a line of low-melt-point polyurethane films can be bonded to other plastic substrates, wound contact layers, and hydrophilic foams. Suited for medical dressings, the most recent addition to the manufacturer’s Inspire portfolio of products features a smooth bacterial-barrier outer surface and does not require an additional pressure-sensitive adhesive for the bonding layer. This latter characteristic of the film can enable better breathability and may increase the lifetime of the dressing, according to the company.
Exopack Advanced Coatings, Wrexham, UK
www.exopackadvancedcoatings.com

Infection-control films

A supplier of medical films has incorporated a partner’s infection-control technology into its films to combat the bacterial growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, and various other infectious microorganisms. Applications include IV site dressings, transdermal patches, and thin-film dressings. Natural Elements infection-control technology has been integrated into the supplier’s Vacuflex and Transport families of waterproof-breathable and barrier medical films, which are available in thicknesses ranging from 5 to 50 µm. Because it can regulate the activation and strength of the infection-control agent, the company maintains that cytotoxicity concerns are eliminated.
Omniflex LLC, Greenfield, MA
www.omniflexfilms.com

Hydrophilic foams

Provided with thicknesses ranging from 0.04 to 1.0 in., a selection of medical-grade hydrophilic foams is available for use in disposable wound-care products. The open-celled foams absorb and retain exudates, and are compatible with such active ingredients as pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials, hemostatic compounds, and odor-control agents. Depending on a customer’s application, impregnations can either stay in the foam or be released in the presence of moisture. Absorbency, density, cell size, degree of softness, and surface characteristics can be customized.
Rynel Inc., Wicasset, me
www.rynel.com

Tacky silicone gel

A clear silicone tacky gel is designed for casting and potting, and can be cured onto various substrates, including fabric backings. Suitable for use in transdermal, wound-care, and hypertropic and keloid scar-management applications, among others, the MED-6345 gel features temporary adhesive qualities that allow the product to gently adhere to the skin while enabling easy removal and reapplication. Its polysiloxane structure is permeable to gases, resulting in a soft, breathable, water-resistant cover. Materials are manufactured in ISO-certified facilities, and many of the silicone biomaterials are tested to all USP Class VI requirements.
NuSil Technology, Carpinteria, CA
www.nusil.com

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