Multifunctional Nano & Collagen-Based Therapeutic Materials for Skin Repair

A novel strategy is needed for treating non-healing wounds that is able to simultaneously eradicate pathogenic bacteria and promote tissue regeneration. This would improve patient outcome and reduce the number of lower limb amputations. In this work, we present a multifunctional therapeutic approach able to control bacterial infection, provide a protective barrier to a full thickness wound, and improve wound healing in a clinically relevant animal model. Our approach uses a nano-engineering antimicrobial nanoparticle for creating a sprayable layer onto the wound bed that prevents bacteria proliferation and also eradicates pre-formed biofilms. As a protective barrier for the wound, we developed a thermoresponsive collagen-based matrix that has pro-healing properties and is able to fill wounds independently of their geometries. Our results indicate that using a combination of the matrix with full thickness microscopic skin tissue columns synergistically contributed to faster and superior skin regeneration i...