Development of a synthetic bioactivated membrane dressing

Scarring after traumatic injury can result in reduced function, movement or even blindness. Synthetic materials used to close burns reduce dehydration and infection, but don't actively prevent scar formation. Amniotic membrane is used clinically to inhibit corneal scarring, but is expensive and of unpredictable quality. We have developed synthetic membranes loaded with the anti-scarring agent in amniotic membrane Decorin, that have potential as novel scalable antiscarring wound dressings. We have demonstrated sustained Decorin release from these membranes and in vitro and in vivo inhibition of scar formation. Project goals are to: 1) Develop manufacturing processes for this Biomembrane that enable production of commercially viable quantities gaining a CE mark; 2) Cause no contact sensitivity to human skin; and 3) Demonstrate efficacy of the technologies in first porcine then human partial thickness skin burns. Success will have a significant and broad healthcare impact, from preventing loss of function due to scar contraction after skin burn to restoring sight after corneal burn. This is a platform technology, with immediate application in burns, but with clear implications to other problematic wounds such as ulcers and surgical adhesions consequently impact would stretch beyond the 175,000 patients admitted to hospital/year with burns.