epicite^hydro shows a fast and efficient uptake of antiseptic solutions

Among the six antiseptic solutions tested, five wound dressings had an uptake of more than 40% of the active compound after soaking 30 min only (Fig. 1B). ^{3, 4}

Figure 1. Uptake of antiseptic compounds into epicite^hydro

In order to mimic the use in a clinical setting, two 10 x 10 cm sheets of epicite^hydro were soaked in 200 ml of an antiseptic solution in a kidney dish (fig 1A). 6 different antiseptics were tested, and the concentration in each sheet was determined after 10, 30, 60 and 120 min and compared to the concentration of the starting solution (fig 1B).

epicite^hydro allows a controlled release of antiseptic solutions

Octenidine and Lavanid 2 show a sustained and prolonged release from epicite^hydro, whereas Prontosan and Mafenide have a faster release kinetic (Fig. 2A) ^{3, 4}. The epicite^hydro dressing loaded with Betaisodona® shows an efficient release over a period of 24 hours, while the release of the commercially available Betaisodona® Wundgaze is no longer visually detectable after more than 6 hours (Fig. 2B). ³

Figure 2. Release of antiseptics into agar matrix

A: Punches of epicite^hydro loaded with different antiseptics were placed on an agarose matrix for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours and the remaining amount of antiseptic in the punches was determined and compared to the starting concentration.

B: To compare the diffusion profile of Betaisadona® solution within epicite^hydro to the Betaisadona® Wundgaze, 8 mm punches of the commercially available Betaisodona® Wundgaze were placed on agarose gel. Due to its strong brown color, the diffusion of the povidone iodine-based antiseptic could be directly visualized.

epicite^hydro loaded with antiseptics is efficient against Staphylococcus aureus

All six antiseptics in the study showed a good or even better inhibition of the growth of S. aureus compared to commercially available products. A loading time of only 10 minutes of the epicite^hydro with Octenisept® yielded similar results to the commercially available Octenisept® gel. The inhibition capacity of Betaisodona® was always higher compared to the commercially available Betaisodona® Wundgaze.

epicite^hydro provides an efficient cooling effect and reduces intradermal damage ²

Burn wound progression is a significant problem as burns initially thought to be superficial can actually become full thickness over time. Cooling is an efficient method to reduce burn wound conversion. However, if the cooling agent is below room temperature, the patient could be at risk for hypothermia, depending on the size of the wound.

In a human ex-vivo study we investigated the effect of cooling on intradermal damages from a contact burn of 100°C. For cooling by evaporation, we used non-precooled epicite^hydro which is composed of more than 95% water.

epicite^hydro reduces the intradermal temperature

Intradermal temperature in the burned skin is reduced significantly when covered with epicite^hydro compared to the non-cooled skin samples. ²

• A short term cooling effect of maximum 6,4°C after 2 minutes reduces burn wound conversion.
• mean temperature difference of 2°C after 30 minutes.
• 1 - 2°C cooling effect remaining stable over 24 hours.

Figure 3. Intradermal temperatures of epicite^hydro cooled wounds

In a human ex-vivo model, skin explants underwent contact burns using a 100°C hot steel block. The burned areas were divided into two groups of which one was cooled with epicitehydro. Intradermal temperature was measured as shown in fig.3A in cooled and uncooled burn sites over 24 hours. Fig 3B shows the temperature difference (uncooled-cooled) calculated for the first 60 min.

epicite^hydro reduces the intradermal damage of the skin

The histologic results comparing cooled to uncooled samples of burns showed major differences especially in the first hour after burn. The burn wound cooled with epicite^hydro shows ²

• Significantly less oat cell degeneration & necrosis
• Less dermal-epidermal separation
• More vital cells

Figure 4. Histological images of unburned (control), uncooled and cooled burned skin

Biopsies of the burned areas were taken at different time points and histologically scored for the grade of oat cell degeneration & necrosis (CDN; 0= no – 5=high) or dermal-epidermal separation (DES; 0= no – 5=high)