New Bacterial Cellulose Dressing Enhances Burn Wound Treatment with Quick Hemostasis

A recent study published in Advanced Materials details the development of an advanced dressing made from bacterial cellulose (BC) that significantly improves bleeding control in burn wound care. This innovative dressing is designed to facilitate rapid and effective hemostasis, addressing a critical challenge in the management of burn injuries.

Burn injuries are complex traumas that can affect multiple body systems, resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Controlling bleeding during burn debridement has traditionally posed difficulties, particularly when using conventional methods like electrocautery, which can lead to thermal damage and other complications.

The use of bacterial cellulose as a wound dressing has gained traction due to its unique properties, including its microporous structure, mechanical strength, breathability, and biocompatibility. However, its lack of inherent hemostatic capabilities limited its effectiveness in more complicated wound scenarios.

Researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, in collaboration with Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, have introduced a novel solution. They engineered a composite dressing known as thrombin-anchored bacterial cellulose (T-BC) by integrating human thrombin into the BC matrix through a specialized cellulose-binding domain. This modification not only retains the natural qualities of BC but also enhances its ability to control bleeding and promote healing.

In vitro tests demonstrated the superior coagulation performance of the T-BC dressing. In experiments using a rat liver incision model, the dressing achieved effective hemostasis in under a minute, significantly surpassing the performance of traditional materials. Additionally, in a simulated model of deep second-degree burn wounds, T-BC-treated areas showed a 40% faster healing rate compared to control groups within just five days.

Genetic analyses indicated that the T-BC dressing accelerates the healing process through a synergistic mechanism that includes promoting the formation of new blood vessels, modulating inflammation, and aiding in the reconstruction of skin tissue architecture. This multifaceted approach allows for precise molecular regulation of the healing process, which is crucial for effective wound care.

Furthermore, the innovative method of biomolecular self-assembly enables the immobilization of thrombin without the need for harsh chemicals or extreme conditions typically required for chemical crosslinking. Extensive biosafety evaluations, including tests for cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and histocompatibility, confirmed the dressing's high biocompatibility and overall safety for clinical use.

This research highlights the significant potential of T-BC dressings in the treatment of both acute traumatic injuries and chronic wounds, paving the way for future advancements in wound care technology.