(152f) Complex Multi-Layered Microparticle Laden Fixed Hydrogel Wound Dressing Fabricated Via 3D Printing for the Treatment of Thermal Burns

While burns are a common injury in society today, the damage that burns – especially partial-thickness and full-thickness burns – can cause to bodily function and appearance cannot be underestimated. While skin grafting remains as the gold standard for the treatment of partial and full thickness burns, autologous skin grafting suffers from the prerequisite of needing sufficient healthy skin from the patient while the risk of rejection of donor skin by the patient’s body is a concern in allogeneic skin grafting.

As either an alternative or a complement to skin grafting, wound dressings can be applied to provide a conducive environment that promotes healing and minimizes microbial infection. With the emergence of 3D printing technologies, the creation of complex 3D structures from a myriad of materials can be achieved inexpensively and efficiently. In this study, we propose the development of multi-layered fixed hydrogel wound dressings using 3D printing for the treatment of thermal burns. To further aid the wound healing capabilities of this wound dressing, microparticles encapsulating relevant drugs such as topical antibiotics and analgesics are incorporated into the wound dressing. 3D printing strategies used in the production of these hydrogel wound dressings along with their structure and function will be discussed.

Through this study, we hope to present novel strategies in which the strengths of 3D printing can be leveraged to fabricate complex hydrogel wound dressing structures with better efficacy in the healing of thermal burn wounds.