Laminar Biomaterial Composite of PVA Cryogel with Amnion as Potential Wound Dressing

Abstract

Gel dressings, composed of polymers both natural and synthetic, are successfully used in the treatment of burn wounds. They protect the burn wound site against adverse external factors, ensure an adequate level of tissue hydration, have soothing and pain-relieving properties, and also support the healing process and reduce the risk of pathological scars. Another promising material that can be used in the wound-healing process is an amnion membrane. Due to its valuable properties such as protecting the body against bacterial infections and permeability to nutrition, it has found usage in different brands of medicine. In this work, we have combined the beneficial properties of hydrogels and amnion in order to make the laminar dressing that may serve for wound healing. For that purpose, the physically crosslinked cryogel of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was covered with an amnion membrane. Subsequently, gamma irradiation was performed, leading to the simultaneous internal crosslinking of the hydrogel, its permanent bonding with the amnion, and dressing sterilization. The physicochemical properties of the dressing including gel fraction, swelling, and hardness were studied. Biological tests such as the MTT assay, antimicrobial activity, and histopathological examination confirmed that the obtained material constituted a promising candidate for further, more in-depth studies aiming at wound dressing application.