Development of Technologies that Address the Complex Architecture of the Face During the Treatment of Severe Facial Burn Injury

Burn injuries, particularly those to the face, present a number of functional and psychological challenges that arise from scarring and related contracture. A major goal of trauma and burn surgeons is to prevent scarring and improve grafting technologies given the complexity of facial topography. This project seeks to optimize and finalize a prototype of a 3D printed keratin facemask capable of delivering drugs capable of inhibiting scar formation. This will be accomplished by first optimizing the formulation through a series of in vitro tests, screening optimized formulations in a small thermal burn wound model in pigs, and confirming efficacy of the selected construct in a large thermal burn wound model in pigs. Additionally, a facemask prototype will be printed, and storage parameters will be determined. The resulting construct will be able to act as a long-term primary burn wound dressing that delivers a drug to prevent scarring as it naturally degrades, reducing the need for full, painful dressing changes and the risk of scarring and contracture in our Wounded Warriors.