Smart release from an antimicrobial cellulose textile for sustainable treatment of chronic wounds

Important results from the project

This project has addressed two of the health care´s biggest challenges: healing of difficult-to-heal chronic wounds and increasing multi resistant bacterial strains. Microspheres containing antiseptics have been used for controlled release of substances. These microspheres have been formulated into a cellulose-based wound care material. A smart release of antiseptics extends both the life of the wound care product and minimizes the risk of resistance development.

Expected long term effects

A renewable and biobased nonwoven cellulose nonwoven material has been developed which is antimicrobial and is likely to minimize the necessary and released amount of antiseptics via controlled release. The results may form the basis for further development of a product prototype in a subsequent market-wide project with future clinical studies. Such a wound care product is expected to result in reduced patient suffering and shorter cost-effective treatments.

Approach and implementation

Before launching the project, Chalmers and RISE IVF had started the joint development towards a cellulose-based nonwoven material, containing microsfärer. In the project, antiseptics have been encapsulated in new biobased microspheres and subsequently formulated in a cellulose-based nonwoven material directly during the manufacturing process. Together with Mölnlycke Health Care and RISE AB, the antimicrobial properties of the material were evaluated in terms of released amount and antibacterial effect.