Polyurethane-modified graphene oxide composite bilayer wound dressing with long-lasting antibacterial effect

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Developing advanced wound dressings is crucial for effective wound management.
• Existing dressings often lack sufficient antibacterial longevity and optimal permeability.
• Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) offers a promising base for wound dressing materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a multifunctional wound dressing with enhanced water vapor permeability and sustained antibacterial activity.
• To investigate the properties of a novel bilayer membrane incorporating polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) grafted graphene oxide (MGO) into a TPU matrix.
• To compare the efficacy of the MGO-TPU composite membrane against unmodified TPU and graphene oxide (GO)-TPU.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of a skin-like TPU bilayer membrane using non-solvent phase separation and particle filtration.
• Grafting of PHMG onto graphene oxide to create MGO.
• Incorporation of MGO into the TPU matrix to form MGO-TPU composite porous membranes.
• Systematic evaluation of antibacterial properties, water vapor transmission, biocompatibility, and wound healing in a mouse model.

Main Results:

• The MGO-TPU membrane demonstrated good biocompatibility and excellent water vapor transmission.
• Sustained, broad-spectrum antibacterial properties were observed for up to 30 days under continuous washing and shaking.
• The MGO-TPU dressing significantly accelerated wound healing rates in mice.
• The dressing promoted a sterile wound environment and facilitated re-epithelialization.

Conclusions:

• The developed MGO-TPU composite membrane represents a novel multifunctional wound dressing.
• The dressing exhibits superior long-lasting antibacterial efficacy and promotes accelerated wound healing.
• This material holds significant potential for advanced wound care applications.