Modulation of NK cell activation by exogenous calcium from alginate dressings .

Natural Killer (NK) cells participate in the defense against infection by killing pathogens and infected cells and secreting immuno-modulatory cytokines. Defects in NK cell activity have been reported in obese, diabetic, and elderly patients that are at high risk of developing infected chronic wounds. Calcium alginate dressings are indicated for the debridement during the inflammatory phase of healing.

A Combination of the Natural Molecules Gallic Acid and Carvacrol Eradicates and Mature Biofilms.

Wound infection, especially the development of bacterial biofilms, delays wound healing and is a major public health concern. Bacteria in biofilms are more tolerant to antimicrobial agents, and new treatments to eradicate mature biofilms are needed. Combining antimicrobial molecules with different mechanisms of action is an attractive strategy to tackle the heterogeneous nature of microbial communities in biofilms.