Sensor materials for the detection of human neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G activity in wound fluid

Abstract

Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and cathepsin G (CatG) are involved in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory disorders. These serine proteinases are released by neutrophils and monocytes in case of infection. Wound infection is a severe complication regarding wound healing causing diagnostic and therapeutic problems. In this study we have shown the potential of HNE and CatG to be used as markers for early detection of infection. Significant differences in HNE and CatG levels in infected and non-infected wound fluids were observed. Peptide substrates for these two enzymes were successfully immobilised on different surfaces, including collagen, modified collagen, polyamide polyesters and silica gel. HNE and CatG activities were monitored directly in wound fluid via hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrates. Infected wound fluids led to significant higher substrate hydrolysis compared with non-infected ones. These different approaches could be used for the development of devices which are able to detect elevated enzyme activities before manifestation of infection directly on bandages. This would allow a timely intervention by medical doctors thus preventing severe infections.

Recent advances on the development of wound dressings for diabetic foot ulcer treatment—A review

“…Bone marrow-derived stem cell transplantation can also be used for the healing of chronic lower extremity wounds. Hassan et al [190] topically applied a concentrated solution of bone marrow stem cells combined with platelets and fibrin glue in a collagen dressing. After 4 weeks of treatment, diabetic ulcers were totally closed in three patients and significantly reduced in another five patients.…”

Self-reporting hydrogels rapidly differentiate among enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and non-virulent Escherichia coli (K12)

“…Some of these approaches are based on the detection of the enzymes present in the medium associated with an inflammatory response of the human body. 15,16,17,18 In different strategies, virulence factors secreted by pathogenic bacteria are targeted for the in situ detection. 19,20,21,22 Zakir Hossain et al 23 reported for instance on a lab-onpaper assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of E. coli in water.…”

Neutrophils and Wound Repair: Positive Actions and Negative Reactions

“…18 Both elastase and cathepsin G are secreted at high levels by activated neutrophils early during an infection; as a result, a recent study has suggested that the activity of these proteases could be used as an early biomarker to detect wound infection. 19 Since both of these proteases are capable of degrading basement membrane proteins, it has been suggested that they could potentially interfere with re-epithelialization and the formation of a new basement membrane in the dermo-epidermal junction by keratinocytes. 20 This idea is supported by a study showing that the elastase inhibitor gramerin accelerates re-epithelialization rates.…”