Evaluation of a novel polihexanide-preserved wound covering gel on dermal wound healing.
OBJECTIVE
Daily wound assessment, including dressing changes and the removal of old ointments causes discomfort for the patient. We therefore developed a new thermoreversible and transparent gel formulation that allows for filling wounds of different shapes and depths. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a wound covering gel on wound healing and the skin's microcirculation.


METHODS
Investigations were carried out in a standardized and reproducible wound model (hairless mice SKH1/hr, n = 30). Three groups were studied by intravital fluorescence microscopy: treatment with polihexanide-preserved wound covering gel, a formulation containing 3% povidone (PVP)-iodine, and physiological saline for control. Microcirculatory standard parameters were analysed.


RESULTS
The non-perfused area vanished within 14 days due to angiogenesis. The venular diameter, oedema formation and functional capillary density showed no significant differences between the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the newly developed wound covering gel has no toxic effects on microcirculation and angiogenesis and reveals no significant differences in the overall assessment of microcirculation compared to the control group and the well-established PVP-iodine. The transparent antibacterial wound covering gel allows for direct wound assessment. Due to its thermoreversible gel formulation it enables good wound contact and easy handling.
Goertz
O
O
Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Center, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. ole.goertz@rub.de
Ring
A
A
Knie
U
U
Abels
C
C
Daigeler
A
A
Steinau
H-U
HU
Steinstraesser
L
L
Langer
S
S
D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000293:injuries; D006586:Hexanes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects*; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011108:Polymers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000188:drug therapy
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D006586:Hexanes; D011108:Polymers; C475962:polymeric biguanide polihexanide