PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 3333401

Spandra: a sustained release battlefield wound dressing.

M Szycher·J A Setterstrom·J W Vincent·G Battistone
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

In 1981, our laboratories developed a family of elastomers which could be cured by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Curing by UV radiation was a significant advance in chemistry, since it allowed ultra-fast curing of elastomers in a matter of seconds, as compared to several hours at 110 degrees C for conventional heat curing. We applied for a patent based on this technology, and the patent was allowed in mid-1984 [29]. Based on this technology, Thermedics submitted a proposal to the US Army for the development of a sustained-release battlefield wound dressing containing antibiotics and coagulants. The drugs were evenly distributed in the oligomer matrix, and subsequently cured in seconds under UV illumination, without the use of heat, organic solvents or water. Because delicate drugs are not subjected to heat, organic solvents or water, the pharmacological activity of the drugs is insured. Therefore, theoretically any drug may be incorporated into our dressing. Sustained release dressings were first developed at Thermedics in 1983, spurred by a contract from the US Army Medical Research and Development Command. Under this contract, the Company developed a new type of wound dressing capable of accelerating the healing process, retarding infection, and minimizing pain. Based on our TECOFLEX materials technology, the dressing performs like temporary artificial skin. Its transmission properties for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor are similar to those of intact skin. Thus, while excluding bacteria from the wound site, the dressing maintains an optimal moist environment for the promotion of rapid healing. The new drawing shown in Figure 10 minimizes pain during healing by preventing dehydration and shrinkage in the wound. Patient comfort is also enhanced by the incorporation of a special fabric which imparts flex properties to the bandage that are almost identical to those of human skin, with greater stretch in one direction than in another. This also facilitates application to complex body contours by only one attendant, an important feature in both hospital and emergency situations. Materials currently in use in hospitals are difficult to handle, requiring two or three nurses to apply large dressings. Thermedics' military wound dressing not only has the significant advantage of ease of application, but this dressing can also be used for delivery of drugs to a specific site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Explore related subjects

Administration, CutaneousAnimalsAnti-Bacterial AgentsBandagesBiocompatible MaterialsCoagulantsDelayed-Action PreparationsEquipment DesignHumansMilitary MedicineWounds and InjuriesJournal ArticleReview

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

M Szycher, J A Setterstrom, J W Vincent, G Battistone. 1986. Spandra: a sustained release battlefield wound dressing.. https://doi.org/10.1177/088532828600100205

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

Safety, acceptability, and tolerability of 3 topical microbicides among heterosexual Kenyan men.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the acceptability, tolerability, and safety of 3 topical microbicide formulations (62% ethyl alcohol in emollient gel and 0.1% and 0.4% benzalkonium chloride on a sanitary wipe) for use on male genitalia. DESIGN: This triple-randomized crossover study among men attending a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in Nairobi, Kenya assigned individuals without clinical evidence of an STD to apply products to the penis in a predetermined random order, each for a 2-week period with a 1-week washout period between each product. Men recorded side effects and were examined for adverse events. RESULTS: Of 39 participants, 33 (84%) completed 6 clinic visits plus 3 home visits by community health workers. Participants reported use of 62% ethanol gel and 0.1% and 0.4% benzalkonium on 99%, 99%, and 96% of daily scheduled applications; 99%, 98%, and 97% of preintercourse applications, and 99%, 94%, and 98% of postintercourse applications. All participants said they would recommend all 3 products to a friend; 72% preferred the 62% ethanol gel, 17% the 0.1% benzalkonium, and 11% the 0.4% benzalkonium. One person developed objective signs of a genital ulcer after 14 days of 0.4% benzalkonium wipe use. CONCLUSIONS: Two of the 3 topical microbicides had minimal reported adverse effects, and no adverse effects were observed during use of the ethanol gel, which was preferred by most men.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2007

Human skin penetration of sunscreen nanoparticles: in-vitro assessment of a novel micronized zinc oxide formulation.

The extent to which topically applied solid nanoparticles can penetrate the stratum corneum and access the underlying viable epidermis and the rest of the body is a great potential safety concern. Therefore, human epidermal penetration of a novel, transparent, nanoparticulate zinc oxide sunscreen formulation was determined using Franz-type diffusion cells, 24-hour exposure and an electron microscopy to verify the location of nanoparticles in exposed membranes. Less than 0.03% of the applied zinc content penetrated the epidermis (not significantly more than the zinc detected in receptor phase following application of a placebo formulation). No particles could be detected in the lower stratum corneum or viable epidermis by electron microscopy, suggesting that minimal nanoparticle penetration occurs through the human epidermis.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2007

Endogenous phospholipid metabolite containing topical product inhibits ultraviolet light-induced inflammation and DNA damage in human skin.

BACKGROUND: N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) and organic osmolytes are endogenous components of the human epidermis and are generated from phospholipids in the stratum granulosum. PEA has been shown to exert potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The endogenous organic osmolytes such as betaine and sarcosine control skin humidity, but have also been shown to inhibit ultraviolet (UV) light-induced oxidative stress in keratinocytes. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of a PEA- and organic osmolyte-containing topical product (Physiogel AI) on the development of UV light-induced erythema, thymine dimer formation and p53 tumor suppressor gene activation, as well as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and Ki67 expression in normal human skin. METHODS: The UV-induced erythema was measured by a spectrofluorometric method. Thymine dimers, p53, ICAM-1 and Ki67 were detected in skin biopsies using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Physiogel AI cream significantly inhibited the development of UV light-induced erythema and thymine dimer formation in normal human skin, but did not alter the number of Ki67+ proliferating keratinocytes and the expression of p53 and ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PEA and organic osmolytes might represent a new generation of compounds which suppress UV-induced photodamage.

Administration, Cutaneous↗