Cytotoxicity testing of wound dressings using methylcellulose cell culture

Wound dressings may induce cytotoxic effects. In this study, we check several, mostly commercially available, wound dressings for cytotoxicity. We used our previously described, newly developed and highly sensitive 7 d methylcellulose cell culture with fibroblasts as the test system. Cytotoxicity is assessed by monitoring cell growth inhibition, supported by cell morphological evaluation using light and transmission electron microscopy. We tested conventional wound dressings, polyurethane-based films, composites, hydrocolloids and a collagen-based dressing. It was shown that only 5 out of 16 wound dressings did not induce cytotoxic effects. All 5 hydrocolloids were found to inhibit cell growth (greater than 70%), while cells had strongly deviant morphologies. The remaining wound dressings showed medium cytotoxic effects, with cell growth inhibition, which varied from low (+/- 15%), medium-low (+/- 25%) to medium-high (+/- 50%). Measurable cytotoxic effects of dressings detected in vitro are likely to interfere with wound healing when applied in vivo. The results are discussed in view of the clinical uses with contaminated wounds, impaired epithelialization or hypergranulation.