Spray-On Hydrogel Dressings

BioCure has developed our PVA-based fast crosslinking hydrogel system into a sprayable wound dressing. The composition can be delivered from a dual syringe applicator that enables mixing of the spray streams. The composition forms a hydrogel dressing on the wound, which is adherent to but easily peeled from the wound. The dressing provides a moist, protective barrier. Active agents, such as antibiotics, can be included in the composition.

:: Rationale

The use of hydrogels for moist wound healing can accelerate healing and is accepted clinical practice for wounds that have low to medium exudate. The use of a sprayed-on, in situ polymerizing dressing as opposed to a conventional hydrogel wound dressing provides several advantages including painless application and a dressing having high conformance to the wound and surrounding tissue. Another advantage is that it can be applied to hard to reach or cover areas (i.e. between the toes, over an elbow) and rough or irregular wound surfaces.

:: Technology Description

The dressings employ BioCure's two part fast crosslinking system, with redox initiated polymerization. Several application devices have been designed including a dual syringe applicator, shown in the figure above, and a syringe gun apparatus. Prepolymers of varying molecular weights, cross link densities, solids content, and compositions were evaluated.

:: Results to Date

Blends of various prepolymers with different acetal contents, molecular weight between cross-links and weight percentages allowed a tailoring of properties such as elasticity, peelability, and adhesiveness. Incorporation of glycerin rendered a higher degree of elasticity to the film although it compromised on peel properties. Films were made that varied from soft, spongy, very elastic, and sticky to firm and spongy, easy to peel off, and inelastic. The formulation requires optimization, using additional clinical evaluation and input from clinicians.

:: Patent Position

Issued patents for the fast crosslinking PVA hydrogel system. Patents pending for use of the PVA hydrogel system for spray hydrogel wound dressings.

Please contact us if you have any questions. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.