Nanofiber Matrix Dressing for Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Randomized Comparative Clinical Study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Donor-site morbidity, particularly pain, is a significant concern following split-thickness skin graft (STSG) harvest.
• Electrospun nanofiber matrices offer a promising wound management strategy, but clinical data for STSG donor sites are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a nanofiber matrix for managing STSG donor sites.
• To compare pain, healing time, and scar outcomes between nanofiber matrix dressing and conventional dressings.

Main Methods:

• A single-center randomized comparative study involving 40 adult patients undergoing STSG harvest.
• Patients were assigned to either a nanofiber matrix group (n=20) or a conventional dressing group (n=20).
• Pain intensity, healing time, pruritus, and scar characteristics were assessed postoperatively.

Main Results:

• The nanofiber matrix significantly reduced donor-site pain on postoperative days 1, 2, and 5 compared to conventional dressings (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.015).
• Donor sites in the nanofiber group healed faster (15.05±2.34 days) than in the control group (18.15±4.38 days; p=0.045).
• No significant differences were observed in pruritus, late scar hyperpigmentation, scar elevation, or infection rates between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Nanofiber matrix dressing effectively reduces early postoperative pain and shortens healing time for STSG donor sites.
• Late scar outcomes and short-term safety were comparable to conventional dressings.
• Nanofiber-based donor-site management represents a clinically relevant application of electrospinning technology.