Preclinical evaluation of a commercially available biofilm disrupting wound lavage for musculoskeletal trauma.

Background: Treatment of open fractures remains a significant challenge in trauma care as these fractures are accompanied by extensive soft tissue damage, exposing the wound site to contaminants and increasing infection risk. Formation of biofilm, a capsule-like environment that acts as a barrier to treatment, is a primary mode by which infecting pathogens persist at the wound site. Therefore, a pressing need exists to identify irrigation methods that can disrupt biofilm and expose pathogens to treatment.

Prevention of Oxygen Inhibition of PolyHIPE Radical Polymerization using a Thiol-based Crosslinker.

Polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs) are highly porous constructs currently under investigation as tissue engineered scaffolds. We previously reported on the potential of redox-initiated polyHIPEs as injectable bone grafts that space fill irregular defects with improved integration and rapid cure. Upon subsequent investigation, the radical-initiated cure of these systems rendered them susceptible to oxygen inhibition with an associated increase in uncured macromer in the clinical setting.

Osteoinductive PolyHIPE Foams as Injectable Bone Grafts.

We have recently fabricated biodegradable polyHIPEs as injectable bone grafts and characterized the mechanical properties, pore architecture, and cure rates. In this study, calcium phosphate nanoparticles and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) particles were incorporated into injectable polyHIPE foams to promote osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Upon incorporation of each type of particle, stable monoliths were formed with compressive properties comparable to control polyHIPEs.