Web-Coated Wound Contact Layer for Directed Cell Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound dressings do not effectively influence cell behavior in a wound to accelerate healing, and their manufacturing processes are not simple or economical.

Innovation Solution

A wound dressing with a hydrogel contact layer coated to promote cell adhesion and form tracks that guide cell migration, using methods like inkjet printing to apply substances such as fibronectin or fibrinogen, which can be chemically bonded or adherent to the hydrogel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coating is applied to the entire surface of the wound contact layer, then the wound contact layer can provide uniform protection, but it cannot specifically influence cell migration patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform protectionVSAvoidcell migration guidance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is segmented into discrete track patterns rather than applied uniformly across the entire surface. This segmentation allows different regions of the coating to serve different functions: the tracks guide cell migration while uncoated areas maintain other wound contact layer properties, thus resolving the contradiction between uniform protection and directed cell migration capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coating is applied selectively to create tracks with specific local properties (cell-adhesive) on the wound contact layer surface, while other areas retain different properties. This local quality differentiation enables the coating to provide both protection and directional cell migration guidance simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If complex manufacturing processes are used to create precise track patterns, then directional cell migration can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack pattern precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A transfer element is introduced as an intermediary between the manufacturing system and the wound contact layer. The transfer element carries the track pattern and transfers it to the wound contact layer through contact, enabling precise pattern transfer using simple, cost-effective manufacturing processes without requiring complex direct patterning equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The track pattern is created by copying from a transfer element to the wound contact layer. This copying approach allows precise pattern reproduction using simple manufacturing methods, avoiding the need for complex direct writing or patterning systems while maintaining high manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coating facilitates directed cell migration, accelerating wound closure by guiding cells from the wound edge to the interior, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

the coating can promote cell adhesion of a patient. This means that the patient's cells can adhere to the coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCell adhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Such dressings can both absorb wound exudate and moisturize the wound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4048328B1Wound dressing comprising a wound contact layer having a web-like coating for directional cell migration
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 PAUL HARTMANN AG
  • EP4048328B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4048328B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4048328B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wound dressing (1, 7, 9, 11, 13) comprising a wound contact layer (3), wherein a wound-facing side of the wound contact layer (3) has a coating (4, 8, 10). The wound dressing (1, 7, 9, 11, 13) is characterised in that the coating (4, 8, 10) can facilitate adhesion of cells, and the coating (4, 8, 10) forms one or more webs on the wound-facing side of the wound contact layer (3). The coating (4, 8, 10) is used in particular to direct migration of cells involved in wound healing, in particular fibroblasts or keratinocytes. The invention also relates to a method for producing the above-mentioned wound dressing (1, 7, 9, 11, 13).