Controlled Release of Topical Nitric Oxide for Treating Cutaneous Injuries

In this proposal Zeomedix proposes to develop a dressing for acute trauma wounds based on its alginate/zeolite encapsulating nitric oxide (NO) technology. Nitric oxide has been shown to enhance the wound healing process as well as act as a powerful antibacterial agent. However, delivery of nitric oxide to a wound area is extremely challenging because NO is a gas. Zeomedix"s approach is to use zeolites that bind NO molecules when exposed to a stream of gaseous NO. When NO-loaded zeolites come in contact with water (or wound fluid), NO is released into the wound area. The aims of this project are to (1) develop a wound dressing that achieve a rapid initial burst of NO for antimicrobial effect followed by a slow extended release of NO for up to 24 hours to accelerate wound closure; (2) demonstrate the stability of a NO-zeolite based wound dressing over a period of up to 4 months; and (3) to demonstrate the antimicrobial effectiveness of a NO-zeolite based wound dressing.