Human platelet lysate-loaded collagen-poloxamer foam dressing for the management of deep partial-thickness burns

Burn injuries remain a significant public health concern worldwide, leading to substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. They are also common in military conflicts and have been a major concern in the ongoing war in Ukraine, often necessitating rapid evacuation and specialized medical care. There is a pressing need for effective burn management strategies that promote healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve patient outcomes. In this study, we introduce a human platelet lysate (HPL)-containing poloxamer-collagen matrix, named AlloPLEX™️, for use in burn care.

AlloPLEX™ degradation, growth factor release, and bioactivity were characterized in vitro. In vivo, deep partial-thickness burns were induced on anesthetized pigs, with four treatment groups 1) high HPL (7.3 g) AlloPLEX™ (HHA), 2) low HPL (3.65 g) AlloPLEX™ (LHA), (3) no HPL AlloPLEX™ (Vehicle control, VC), and 4) Silverlon (SoC). Analgesia was provided prior to all surgical procedures. Punch biopsies were harvested on days 0 and 3; after euthanasia on day 28, the burns were excised for histologic analyses. Non-invasive imaging was utilized to assess burns macroscopically.

In vitro, it was shown that the foam is biodegradable, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) release efficiently from the matrix, and it improves human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) proliferation. In vivo, the LHA group mitigated burn wound progression when compared to the SoC group. In terms of wound healing and quality of healing no differences were seen.

AlloPLEX™ is a novel bioactive and biodegradable foam dressing. It is lightweight and easy-to-use. The results demonstrated its potential as a burn care dressing.