Application of multi-layer chitosan-based wound dressings in dentistry

Aim. To experimentally evaluate the efficacy of multi-layer chitosan-based wound dressings developed for dental purposes.

Materials and Methods. Over the period from 2018 to 2019, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of multi-layer chitosan-based wound dressings developed for dental practice. Two types of dressings (No. 1c and 2c), the central part of which was modified with the introduction of a 10% iodopyron solution, were compared with the widely-used wound dressings Alvostaz (NKF Omega-Dent LLC, Russia) and Gelatamp (Roeko, Germany). The work involved 26 male Chinchilla rabbits, ten months old and weighing 2500 (±50) g. Evaluation of the efficacy of the wound dressings under study was carried by modelling the conditions of both aseptic and purulent-inflammatory processes (a total of 8 series of experiments). In experiments modelling the purulent-inflammatory process, a Ps. aeruginosa bacterial culture at a concentration of 109 CFU/ml was introduced into the alveolar socket after tooth extraction, 3 days before the application of a wound dressing sample. The dressings under study were applied on the wound for the period of 7 days. During the observation postoperative period, the animals were provided with free access to water and food. The sampling of the material for the study was carried out in the operating room on day 7.

Results. According to the experimental results, chitosan-based wound dressings (No. 2c in particular) demonstrated high efficacy in experiments on animals (rabbits). The developed wound dressings perform mechanical protection and exhibit fuse effects, as well as are characterized by biodegradability and the ability to deliver medical agents contained therein to the damaged tissue.

Conclusion. The proposed chitosan-based wound dressings showed sufficient efficiency on the modelled wound process in the alveolar socket of an extracted tooth. Dressing No. 2c was recognised to be optimal for infected and purulent wounds. This dressing has a dense outer layer, which structure retains frame functions for a long time, thus providing proper drainage of the pathological focus. Dressing No. 1c was established to be promising in cases without inflammatory processes in the extracted tooth socket, where high adhesion to surrounding tissues is initially required for ensuring the tightness and preservation of a blood clot in the wound.