Chemical Casualty Care: Hydrogel Nanoparticle Aggregates as Wound Dressings Following Debridement of Cutaneuous Vesicant Injuries

The proposed research will demonstrate the utility of hydrogel nanoparticle aggregates as bandages for post-debridement vesicant injuries. Dehydrated hydrogel nanoparticles in powder form are applied to the surface of a wound. The nanoparticles aggregate immediately and form a continuous hydrogel film that absorbs exudate and protects the wound surface. Studies show that an aggregate film controls the release of antibiotics, painkillers, protein-based growth factors, and steroids for periods ranging from weeks to months. The research will apply the wound dressing to burns in an animal model and assess the healing and local pharmacokinetics for released therpeutics.