DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM TO ENHANCE HEALING OF WOUNDS AND BURNS



Ioannis Yannas and Francois Berthiaume
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Apart from causing deformity and death, wounds and burns severely burden the US healthcare system, costing overall $16-24 billion annually and accounting for five percent of healthcare costs. Skin substitutes have been developed to treat chronic wounds and extensive or deep burns. But their market penetration currently is only five percent, due to their susceptibility to infection and lengthy time for blood-vessel growth. This project is working with a peptide capable of attracting cells to the wound site to accelerate blood-vessel growth, reduce the risk of infection and dramatically accelerate healing. It is developing novel skin substitutes designed to have wide applications in elective surgery and advanced wound and burn care.