Development of an artificial dermis preparation capable of silver sulfadiazine release

This article describes the antibacterial effects of an artificial dermis impregnated with silver sulfadiazine (Ag-SD) in vitro as well as in vivo. In the in vitro test, silver release from the artificial dermis impregnated with Ag-SD, by immersion in collagenase solution was controlled by the degradation of the collagen sponge. The artificial dermis impregnated with 3% or higher doses of Ag-SD completely suppressed the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ps.) or Staphylococcus aureus (St.). The cytotoxicity test revealed that impregnation of 5% or higher doses of Ag-SD suppressed the growth of fibroblasts. However, when the artificial dermis impregnated with Ag-SD was implanted into full-thickness skin defects on the backs of guinea pigs, no tissue damage was histologically observed around the implanted site of the dermis. In the in vivo test, the artificial dermis impregnated with 10% Ag-SD, which was grafted on experimentally contaminated wounds in the backs of guinea pigs, macroscopically suppressed degradation of the collagen sponge, and significantly reduced the growth of both Ps. and St., compared with artificial dermis without Ag-SD. We conclude that collagen sponge impregnated with Ag-SD is a promising artificial dermis applicable to treat contaminated wounds.