Multilayered Wound Dressing with Hydrogel and Polyurethane Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound dressings, particularly during the granulation and epithelization phases, often fail to provide sufficient moisture and absorptive capacity while minimizing shearing forces on the wound, leading to suboptimal healing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered wound dressing with a hydrophilic polyurethane foam layer containing at least 10% by weight of water, which is homogeneously distributed, providing a moist environment and sufficient absorbency while minimizing swelling and shearing forces, thereby promoting natural wound healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a polyurethane foam is used as an absorbent layer in wound dressings, then the absorptive capacity is improved, but the foam becomes adherent to the healing wound when new cells/tissues grow into the pores
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrogel layer is introduced as an intermediary between the polyurethane foam and the wound. This hydrogel layer prevents direct contact between the foam pores and the healing tissue, thereby eliminating adherence while preserving the foam's absorptive capacity for wound exudate.
Solution Approach 2:
The wound dressing combines multiple materials with complementary properties: polyurethane foam for absorption, hydrogel for moisture retention and anti-adherence, and silicone gel for additional non-stick properties. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that perform different functions simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hydrophobic silicone gel coating is applied to polyurethane foam, then adherence is reduced, but the absorptive capacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dressing is divided into distinct functional layers: the polyurethane foam layer handles absorption, while the hydrogel and silicone gel layers handle the anti-adherence function. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel layer serves as an intermediary that prevents the need for hydrophobic coatings on the foam itself. By placing a hydrophilic barrier between the foam and wound, the foam's natural hydrophilic properties and absorptive capacity are preserved.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dry polyurethane foam is used, then adherence is minimized, but insufficient moisture is provided to the wound
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel layer is designed to maintain its own moisture balance and provide moisture to the wound independently of the foam's water content. The hydrogel's high water holding capacity allows it to serve as a self-sufficient moisture source.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of hydrogel and polyurethane foam creates a composite system where the hydrogel provides moisture and the foam provides absorption. This composite structure simultaneously achieves moisture provision and adherence minimization.
4Quantity of substance
If the polyurethane foam absorbs excessive wound exudate, then absorptive capacity is maximized, but shearing forces increase on the wound
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel layer acts as a mediator that decouples the absorption process from the wound interface. It allows the foam to absorb exudate freely while preventing the transmission of shearing forces to the wound, as the hydrogel layer absorbs the mechanical stress.
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 dressing effectively maintains a moist environment, enhances wound healing by reducing negative factors, and minimizes shearing stress, making it particularly suitable for the granulation and epithelization phases with improved absorptive capacity and reduced dryness.
Implementation Method 1
the absorbent layer comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane foam, wherein the polyurethane foam comprises a water fraction of at least 10% by weight of water
Implementation Method 2
the polyurethane foam comprises a water fraction of at least 10% by weight of water
Implementation Method 3
the water fraction is homogeneously distributed in the polyurethane matrix of the foam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multilayered wound dressing particularly for wound treatment in the granulation and epithelization phase. The wound dressing comprisesa) a first layer as a wound contact layer having a first side and a second side, andb) at least one second layer as an absorbent layer having a first side and a second side and comprising a hydrophilic polyurethane foam, wherein the polyurethane foam comprises a water fraction of at least 10% by weight of water.