A Multifunctional Polyethylene Glycol/Triethoxysilane-Modified Polyurethane Foam Dressing with High Absorbency and Antiadhesion Properties Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing

Abstract

The delayed healing of chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), is a clinical problem. Few dressings can promote wound healing by satisfying the demands of chronic wound exudate management and tissue granulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prepare a high-absorption polyurethane (PU) foam dressing modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and triethoxysilane (APTES) to promote wound healing. PEG-modified (PUE) and PEG/APTES-modified (PUESi) dressings were prepared by self-foaming reactions. Gauze and PolyMem were used as controls. Next, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, thermomechanical analyses, scanning electron microscopy and tensile strength, water absorption, anti-protein absorption, surface dryness and biocompatibility tests were performed for in vitro characterization. Wound healing effects were further investigated in nondiabetic (non-DM) and diabetes mellitus (DM) rat models. The PUE and PUESi groups exhibited better physicochemical properties than the gauze and PolyMem groups. Moreover, PUESi dressing showed better anti-adhesion properties and absorption capacity with deformation. Furthermore, the PUESi dressing shortened the inflammatory phase and enhanced collagen deposition in both the non-DM and DM animal models. To conclude, the PUESi dressing not only was fabricated with a simple and effective strategy but also enhanced wound healing via micronegative-pressure generation by its high absorption compacity with deformation.

An Advanced Review: Polyurethane-Related Dressings for Skin Wound Repair

“…Polyethylene glycol [74,75] Self-foaming reactions. Nondiabetic and diabetes mellitus rat wound models.…”

“…Polyethylene glycol polymer, because of its good water solubility and good compatibility with many organic components, has been widely used. Chen et al prepared a PEG and triethoxysilane (APTES) modified high absorption polyurethane foam dressing (PUESi) [74]. The research results indicated that PUESi dressings not only had good adhesive resistance and deformation absorption ability, but also could effectively promote wound healing.…”

Antimicrobial Nonisocyanate Polyurethane Foam Derived from Lignin for Wound Healing

“…3 In the 13.7 million infection-related deaths estimated to occur in 2019, deaths associated with bacterial infections accounted for 13.6% of all deaths globally, with the highest number of deaths associated with Staphylococcus aureus at 1.1 million deaths globally and 950,000 deaths with E. coli. 6 The overuse of antibiotics has led to a gradual increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics, and to promote the healing of such chronic wounds over the past decades, there are a number of materials currently available on the market reported to be used for the treatment of chronic wounds such as gauze, polyurethane foams, hydrocolloids and hydrogels, calcium/ sodium alginate, and so forth. 4 Among them, polyurethane foams have almost no cytotoxicity, moderate water vapor permeability, good biocompatibility, and mechanical properties and are widely used in the treatment of chronic wounds.…”

“…However, the antimicrobial activity of conventional polyurethane foam dressings prepared from nonrenewable resource petroleum is relatively low. The polyether or polyester chain segments in PUF materials can be a carbon source for microbial growth . Therefore, polyurethanes as dressings are susceptible to bacterial interference in treating wounds.…”

“…The polyether or polyester chain segments in PUF materials can be a carbon source for microbial growth. 6 Therefore, polyurethanes as dressings are susceptible to bacterial interference in treating wounds. In order to address these problems, the most common and effective technique is to introduce antimicrobial additives into the polyurethane matrix.…”