The ideal dermal substitute

The ideal dermal substitute obviously needs to integrate into the wound in which it has been implanted, by allowing the invasion into it of fibroblasts, other cells, and angio-genetic vascular buds/vessels from the wound bed. Once estabfished, the fibroblasts need to be stable enough to lay down autologous collagen. 

The high cost, low production, and vulnerability to infection of both biological-based dermal matrices and composite cultured skins have created interest in synthetic polymer technology. These fiscal and supply arguments are not the only impetus for this exploration, as synthetic polymers have the added advantage of customized design to enable properties such as molecular elution or fluid absorption to effect better wound healing. 

Biodegradable polyurethanes are of great interest for medical applications because of their variable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and structural versatility. They are currently used in bone and cartilage applications, as well as in nerve regeneration. 

The NovoSorb biodegradable polyurethane has been designed to maintain physical strength and stmcture until 3 months postapplication. After this time point, progressive hydrolysis of the material resnlts in matrix degradation and absorption. 

The BTM has been demonstrated in humans to resist spontaneous delamination up to 49 days postapplication (althongh the bonding method is expected to maintain 

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