Two-layer Electrospun System Enabling Wound Exudate Management and Visual Infection Response

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Wound Management Technologies
• Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance necessitates advanced chronic wound care solutions.
• Effective wound management requires devices that handle exudate and signal infection.
• Visual infection indicators are needed for prompt clinical assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a two-layer fibrous device for chronic wound management.
• To achieve independent control over exudate management and visual infection signaling.
• To investigate the impact of fibrous structure on device functionality.

Main Methods:

• Sequential free surface electrospinning of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PMMA-co-MAA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA).
• Encapsulation of PMMA-co-MAA fibers with bromothymol blue (BTB) for pH-responsive color change.
• Synthesis of a thermally-crosslinked PAA network for enhanced exudate absorption.

Main Results:

• PMMA-co-MAA fibers demonstrated high BTB loading (>80 wt.%) and selective release at alkaline pH (>7).
• Thermally-crosslinked PAA layer exhibited high water uptake (1291-2369 wt.%) and swelling index (272-285 a.%).
• Single-layer core-shell fiber configuration failed to provide dual functionality and showed premature BTB release.

Conclusions:

• The two-layer fibrous device successfully integrates exudate management and visual infection monitoring.
• Fibrous architecture is critical for achieving desired structure-induced functionalities in wound devices.
• This technology offers a promising platform for improved chronic wound management and monitoring.