Physical and biological properties of a new synthetic amino acid copolymer used as wound dressing

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Abstract
Anew synthetic amino acid copolymer has been evaluated as wound covering. It is permeable to water vapor in the region of 4.1 kg/m2/24 h, it does not allow microbial proliferation after in vitro inoculation, it is impermeable to bacteria, and is stable and flexible. In vivo experiments were designed to provide qualitative and quantitative evaluation on its possible use as a skin substitute in full‐thickness skin excision in the guinea pig. Two excisions, approximately 12–;14 cm2 were performed on each side of the spine, leaving the panniculus carnosus. One site was treated with the membrane, the other with gauze. Each animal served as its own control. Photographs with a fixed focal‐length camera were taken in identical conditions for all wounds immediately and 7,14, and 21 days after excision. They were analyzed by planimetry. Histological studies were performed at 7,14, and 21 days. The rate of healing between 0 and 21 days of the wounds treated with the copolymer membrane was significantly accelerated in comparison with wounds covered with a dry dressing (p < 0.05). This increased epithelialization rate was confirmed by histology, which also suggested a reduction of the inflammatory response of the wound. In vivo biodegradation studies were also performed by subcutaneous implantation in the rat followed at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days by histology and physicochemical analyses. The results demonstrate that the membrane is not biodegradable.
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