Development of an in vitro fibrin clot model to evaluate fibrinolytic agents for wound care application.

Objective: To describe an in vitro fibrin clot model that could reliably assess the fibrinolytic activity of enzymatic debriding agents for wound care application.

Method: A model of a fibrin clot was reconstructed in vitro by mixture of human fibrinogen and (alpha)-thrombin supplemented with factor XIII. These clots were then treated with enzymatic ointments. Fibrinolytic activity was investigated by measuring D-dimer levels, using an automated immunoturbidimetric Liatest D-dimer assay.

Results: Collagenase and papain-urea ointments demonstrated fibrinolytic activity which was macroscopically visible. Their effect was identical on the in vitro reconstructed fibrin clot and ex vivo collected wound fibrin clot; collagenase and papain-urea both induced a complete degradation and dissolution of both fibrin clots after 24 hours of treatment. This was associated with an increase in D-dimer concentration.

Conclusion: This reconstructed fibrin clot in vitro model has the potential to predict the efficacy of fibrinolytic agents and therefore appears to be a suitable model for in vitro assays.

Declaration Of Interest: This study was supported by a grant from URGO Laboratory.