Carbon Polymer dressings

With the increased life expectancy of our ageing population, society is presented with new challenges to ensure that the corresponding quality of life of the elderly is not compromised.

One area of particular concern is the susceptibility of the elderly population to chronic dermal wound infections (e.g. non-healing ulcers). As well as presenting direct health risks associated with bacterial infection, these wounds can be responsible for the liberation of malodours which can be a source of distress to the patient, leading to social isolation and depression. In this project we aimed to develop novel formulations of wound dressings which were less bulky and more efficient than current forms.

This was a joint project between the University of Brighton and Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan under the Longevity of programme, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The aim of the project was to develop novel materials capable of adsorbing odours typically liberated from malodorous chronic wounds. This was done using a modification of the natural polymer, agarose (derived from seaweed), and combining it with activated carbon which has a well-known capacity for adsorbing small molecules (such as volatile organic compounds responsible for wound malodour). We evaluated these materials in film form and as highly porous, sponge-like cryogels.

A novel material consisting of modified agarose and activated carbon was created in order to capture malodorous molecules such as those emitted from chronic dermal wounds. This material is non-toxic, biodegradable, transparent, flexible and breathable (to prevent excessive sweating).

Our results indicated that it was extremely efficient at adsorbing malodorous and other small molecules. The unmodified form of agarose in film form is hard, yet extremely brittle. By modifying our material, we achieved a final form that should be suitable for easy manipulation for patient application.

The ecological profile of the material gives it added value compared with non-degradable alternatives, in terms of post-use fate. Moreover, the transparency of the modified agarose allows for further potential uses beyond the incorporation of activated carbon for odour control, such as a diagnostic function or direct wound therapy.