Effect of Different Wound Dressings on Cell Viability and Proliferation.

We have also developed a model to study the effects of possible cytotoxic or growth promoting substances on keratinocytes and other cells.

A great number of new dressings to promote wound healing have been developed since the early 1980s. The choice of dressing is usually made on the basis of personal experience, availability, cost, type, state and site of the wound. Patient preference and tolerance may also be considered. Wound healing generally comprises three stages: Cleansing, granulation and vascularisation, and epithelialisation. The epithelialisation phase requires an optimum microenvironment and the absence of any cytotoxic factors. In this study, we examined the effect of a number of wound dressings commonly used in the Alfred Hospital Burns Unit on epithelialisation. It was found that silver-containing dressings which are bactericidal also compromise keratinocyte viability. Alginate-containing dressings with beneficial haemostatic properties due to high calcium compromise cell proliferation. Greater discrimination in the use of these dressings is recommended. Wound status and healing phase should be considered when choosing a dressing for optimal epithelialisation.

Figure 9. Epithelial Cell Cultures with Extracts of Wound Dressings