In Vitro Characterization of Variable Porosity Wound Dressing With Anti-Scar Properties.

New options are needed to improve wound healing while preventing excessive scar formation. Temporary primary dressings are important options in topical wound management that allow the natural healing process. We evaluated a novel primary dressing consisting of a biosynthetic, variable porosity, matrix-containing gelatin and Aloe Vera extract and a derivative dressing coated with the anti-scarring agent salinomycin for their ability to promote cell growth, reduce myofibroblast formation, and regulate cytokine production. In addition, salinomycin-coated primary dressings were tested for antimicrobial activity. Both primary wound dressings permitted cell growth and attenuated TGFβ-induced scar-forming myofibroblast formation. The primary wound dressings also reduced IL-6 production by 50%, IL-8 by 20%, MCP-1 by 75%, and GRO by 60% in human mesenchymal stem cells treated with TGFβ. Salinomycin coating of the dressing showed antimicrobial activity by preventing growth. Both primary wound dressings support the growth of human fibroblasts and stem cells, as well as reduce inflammatory cytokine production, demonstrating their potential to serve as temporary wound dressings.