Properties and Biocompatibility of Chitosan and Silk Fibroin Blend Films for Application in Skin Tissue Engineering

Chitosan/silk fibroin (CS/SF) blend films were prepared and evaluated for feasibility of using the films as biomaterial for skin tissue engineering application. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated chemical interaction between chitosan and fibroin. Chitosan enhanced β-sheet conformation of fibroin and resulted in shifting of thermal degradation of the films. Flexibility, swelling index, and enzyme degradation were also increased by the chitosan content of the blend films. Biocompatibility of the blend films was determined by cultivation with fibroblast cells. All films showed no cytotoxicity by XTT assay. Fibroblast cells spread on CS/SF films via dendritic extensions, and cell-cell interactions were noted. Cell proliferation on CS/SF films was also demonstrated, and their phenotype was examined by the expression of collagen type I gene. These results showed possibility of using the CS/SF films as a supporting material for further study on skin tissue engineering

A Prospective Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Trial of the Efficacy Using Centella Cream for Scar Improvement

Objective. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Centella asiatica extract in cream, a preparation for the prevention of scar development of the split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site. Methods. A prospective randomized, double-blind control study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Centella cream in 30 patients who underwent a STSG operation. Both Centella cream and placebo were applied equally to the donor site at least 2 weeks after epithelialization was completed. A scar assessment using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was taken at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results. Of the original 30 patients, 23 patients completed evaluation. There were significant differences in pigmentation parameter of VSS and comparative total VSS scores between 4 and 12 weeks in Centella cream group. Conclusion. The effect of Centella cream on scar development of a STSG operation may be attainable in terms of better pigmentation. By means of objective measurements and longer follow-up times, Centella cream may prove to be an alternative product for hypertrophic scar amelioration

Periwound Challenges Improve Patient Satisfaction in Wound Care

Summary:. In wound care, we usually focus nearly all of our efforts on the wound area while paying little attention to the periwound area. Although the periwound area may seem unimportant, it matters to patients. A female patient was admitted with a wound at the perianal area. Wound dressing was performed using standard wet-to-dry gauzes. The patient had several small complaints including irritant contact dermatitis, skin maceration, pain during dressing change, and fecal contamination to the wound. In this case, we ended up switching to a different method of wound dressing. We went from using wet-to-dry gauzes for the primary dressing to a hydrofiber with silver dressing and from gauze and Micropore as a secondary dressing to an adhesive sodium carboxymethylcellulose foam dressing. This resolved all complaints. The patient’s satisfaction score using visual analog scale increased from 2 to 10 (out of 10 points). This example shows how even small details can make a significant difference in wound care. Because periwound care is often neglected, therapeutic algorithm that integrates major challenges in periwound care into wound healing strategies is proposed