Streaming of Proteolytic Enzyme Solutions for Wound Debridement

Discussion

The overall objective of this study was feasibility and efficacy demonstration of enzyme streaming for skin treatment and wound debridement as an alternative and highly effective mode of enzyme application. The working hypothesis was that continuous streaming will minimize handling and provide higher efficacy and more rapid debridement. The continuous fresh supply of the enzyme dissolved in solutions buffered for optimal activity would result in effective distribution and access to all parts of the treated area as well as in better control of the process. Moreover, the continuous stream could help in washing away digested material resulting in faster erosion and a shortened procedure. This flow system may also allow step-by-step treatment with different solutions, such as pretreatment with antibiotics, enzymatic digestion, and wound cleaning.

The feasibility of this approach was demonstrated on lab animals by studies on skin treatment and wound debridement. Our results have clearly demonstrated technical feasibility and efficacy of streaming of enzyme solution. The time required for effective treatment was on a scale of few hours, substantially shorter than the several days/weeks required for treatment with enzyme-containing ointments.

The simplicity of this method carries potential for wound bed management by the sequential streaming of solutions for softening, cleaning, debriding, and washing wounds in order to prepare them for optimal healing or subsequent procedures.

Reprint Address

Prof. Amihay Freeman, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978 Israel. Phone: 972-3-640-9054; Fax: 972-3-640-5147; E-mail: amihayf@post.tau.ac.il.

Cite this: Streaming of Proteolytic Enzyme Solutions for Wound Debridement: A Feasibility Study - Medscape - Jun 01, 2004.