Effect of wound dressing porosity and exudate viscosity on the exudate absorption: and tests with 3D printed hydrogels.

Exudate absorption is a key parameter for proper wound dressing performance. Unlike standardized tests that consider exudate viscosity close to that of water, patients' exudates vary greatly in composition and, therefore, viscosity. This work aimed to investigate the effects of exudate viscosity and pore size of hydrogel-like dressings on the exudate absorption rate to establish rational criteria for the design of dressings that can meet the personalized needs of wound treatment.