Flowable keratin biomaterials for improving infection control and wound healing, Phase 2.

Improvements in body armor, availability of equipment, and decreased patient transport times have dramatically improved Soldiers survival of combat injuries. Data suggests that future conflicts will require more aggressive wound management at the point of injury to deal with more complex wounds, particularly with respect to infection control. There is a significant need to develop and translate platform technologies that can address these injuries while providing infection control. This proposal seeks to build on Phase I work using a flowable keratin based carrier system for slow-release of antibiotics. Data from our Phase I project demonstrated that flowable keratin biomaterials loaded with antibiotics (KeraStat ICG) supported keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation while preventing colony formation of Gram-positive, Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria. This Phase II project seeks to expand these findings into in vivo models of infected excisional and burn wounds, comparing our KeraStat ICG formulation to the standard of care for these injuries. Additionally, we will conduct safety and stability testing necessary for filing this combination product with the FDA.