Active textile dressings for wound healing

Bojana Vondna Lidija Zemijic Bras , Tiana Ristic  

Advances in Smart Medical Textiles. htti i9dK.doi.oi 0.101 i/B97S l 7S242 379 9.00004 9 

Wound exudate is present in all phases of wound healing. It supplies the wound with nutrients and a favourable environment for the migration of cells. The presence of leucocytes in wound exudate helps to control bacteria and reduces the incidence of infection (Boateng et al., 2008 Initiative, 2007). However, excessive amounts of exudate can cause complications in chronic wounds thus its absorption has to be handled in the proper manner. 

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The purpose of antimicrobials in medical textiles such as wound dressings is to eithCT prevent infection from occurring or to contribute to the healing of infected wounds, and odour control is a subsidiary effect whereas, the inclusion of activated charcoal in wound dressings is specifically to manage odour. Activated charcoal cloth (ACC) is sandwiched/encapsulated between two layers of a polyamide nonwoven fabric. The ACC with silver has to be in close contact with the wound s surface in order for the silver ions to react with the bacteria causing the infection (Mcqueen, 2011). 

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis. Miller), belongs to the family Liliaceae, has been used in traditional medicinal practices such as healing of wounds and bums and finds uses for medical aiKl cosmetic purpose as well as for gerteral health [25]. Aloe vera also possesses antifiingual arxl antibacterial activity, which can be exploited for mediciil textile applications such as wound dressing, suture, bioactive textiles etc. 

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