Nanomaterial and Biomaterial Approaches for Treating Chronic Wounds

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and severe adverse event associated with diabetes, as 25% of diabetic patients will experience DFUs. The lack of effective DFU therapies results in 20% of diabetic patients requiring amputation. We first developed an algorithm to account for polydispersity when calculating nanoparticle concentration, which will reduce variability between batches and treatments. We also developed a novel 2-layer biomaterial, which combines anti-microbial properties of CLKRS peptide coated silver nanoparticles (CLKRS- AgNPs) with a pro-regenerative collagen matrix embedded with microscopic skin tissue columns (MSTC), to promote DFU wound healing. The collagen hydrogel formulation was optimized, and the physical properties, biocompatibility, and wound healing properties were assessed. Our results indicate that the CLKRS-AgNPs prevent bacterial growth and the collagen matrix provides a regenerative environment. Last, we developed and tested antimicrobial fabrics which can also be applied to chronic wounds, such as DFUs, to prevent and treat infections.