Methods and compositions for wound healing
Inventors
McAnulty, Jonathan F. • Murphy, Christopher • Abbott, Nicholas
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10940120-B2
Publication Date
2021-03-09
Expiration Date
2029-01-30
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Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for wound healing. In particular, the present invention relates to promoting and enhancing wound healing by utilizing cross-linker covalent modification molecules to attach and deliver wound active agents to a wound. In addition, the present invention provides methods and compositions utilizing oppositely charged polymers to form a polyelectrolyte layer on a wound surface. The invention further relates to incorporating wound active agents into a polyelectrolyte layer for delivery to a wound.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to methods and compositions for promoting and enhancing wound healing by modifying the intrinsic chemical composition and physical characteristics of the wound bed. It particularly involves utilizing cross-linker covalent modification molecules to attach and deliver wound active agents to a wound, and forming polyelectrolyte layers on a wound surface using oppositely charged polymers for incorporation of wound active agents.
The problem addressed is the impaired healing of wounds due to dysregulation in the wound microenvironment, systemic disease, or intrinsic heterogeneity in wound beds. Existing treatments such as conventional dressings and pharmaceutical agents often fail to provide optimal healing, particularly in chronic wounds like diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, and venous stasis ulcers. Current approaches inadequately modify the intrinsic chemistry and structure of wound beds, contributing to persistent wounds. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new, safe, and interactive methods to enhance healing in chronic and severe wounds, adaptable to different wound types and patient populations.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains four main independent claims covering a membrane comprising a polyelectrolyte multilayer and methods and kits relating to its application and use in wound healing.
Polyelectrolyte multilayer membrane with incorporated agents
A membrane comprising a polyelectrolyte multilayer made of cationic and anionic polymers directly supported on a solid support selected from polyvinyl alcohol membrane and polyethylene oxide membrane, with a thickness from 1 to 1000 nm and compliance from 3 to 500 kPa, incorporating a silver antimicrobial compound and analgesic agent.
Functionalization of the polyelectrolyte multilayer
The polyelectrolyte multilayer described can be functionalized to present reactive groups or facilitate attachment of agents.
Gradient distribution of antimicrobial agent
The antimicrobial agent within the polyelectrolyte multilayer can be distributed so as to form a concentration gradient.
Method of application to a wound
Applying the polyelectrolyte multilayer membrane to a wound on a subject to enhance healing of the wound.
Kit including the polyelectrolyte multilayer membrane
A kit comprising the polyelectrolyte multilayer membrane described in a sterile package for use in wound healing.
The claims collectively cover the composition of a specific polyelectrolyte multilayer membrane incorporating antimicrobial and analgesic agents with defined physical properties, its functionalization, distribution of agents in gradients, a method of its application to wounds to enhance healing, and a corresponding kit for clinical use.
Stated Advantages
Modification of wound beds with the invention's compositions reduces the amount of active agent needed by providing a homogeneous environment that allows uniform and predictable delivery of agents.
The nanoscale dimension of polymer multilayers allows effective delivery with lower total amounts of active agent, reducing toxicity in the wound environment.
The invention permits differential modulation of cellular responses within heterogeneous wound environments, enabling personalized therapeutics tailored to specific wounds and patients.
The modulation of physical features such as compliance, surface charge, and topography can promote favorable cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation for enhanced wound healing.
Use of cross-linking agents and functionalized particles facilitates stable immobilization and controlled release of wound active agents, improving treatment efficacy.
Documented Applications
Treatment and enhancement of wound healing in various wounds including chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, venous stasis ulcers, burn wounds, and neuropathic ulcers.
Application to both external and internal wounds including skin, mucous membranes, body cavities, and internal tissue surfaces.
Modification of wound surfaces with polymer multilayers, biocompatible nanoparticles and microparticles, and covalent modifiers to promote healing.
Use in diabetic models and other pathologic conditions where wound healing is impaired.
Application in personalized therapeutic protocols for wound healing tailored to unique wound environments and patient conditions.
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