Dr Rachel Kornhaber^1,2,3, Dr  Moti Harats^2,3,4, Professor Josef Haik^1,2,3,4

¹University of Tasmania, Forestville, Australia, ²National Burns Center, Sheba Medical Center, Israel, Tel Hashomer, Israel, ³Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Frermantle , Australia, ⁴Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv, Israel

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study determined the feasibility of a handheld electrospinning device for the application of wound dressings. Methods: A porcine model was used to apply four polymer nanofibers dressings onto superficial partial thickness wounds and compared with a traditional paraffin tulle gras dressing. Using a handheld portable electrospinning device, the four polymer nanofibrous dressings were applied at a short distance from the wound. Donor sites were evaluated on day 2, 7, and 14 after removal of dressings. Tissue samples were taken for histological assessment. Results: There were no significant differences detected between the electrospun nanofibrous and paraffin tulle gras dressings. Positive characteristics of the electrospun nanofiber dressings included a non-touch technique, the ease of application, adherence and reduction in wound oedema and inflammation. Observed was no delayed wound healing or signs of infection in either of the electrospun nanofiber and traditional tulle gras dressings. Innovation: For application on partial thickness wounds, polymer electrospun nanofiber dressings provide superior surface topography with a non-touch, feasible, and safe method to promote moist wound healing. Therefore, the use of polymer nanofibrous dressings have implication for the reduction of wound infections, pain and trauma, number of dressing changes, scarring, and an added cost benefit. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that this portable handheld electrospinning device can be employed for different formulations and materials and customised according to the characteristics of the target wound at the various stages of wound healing.

Biography:

Rachel Kornhaber is a senior lecturer in Nursing at the University of Tasmania (Sydney campus). Before commencing at UTAS in 2014, Rachel worked as a burns clinician at the Severe Burn Injury Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia and was the Coordinator of the Masters of Burns Nursing at the University of Adelaide, South Australia. Rachel’s research interests are in the area of burns/trauma informed care and she regularly publishes in key peer reviewed journals. She is a member of the Mental and Critical Care Health node (MaCCH). Rachel is also an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow with the University of Notre Dame, Burns Node, Western Australia, appointed as the current International Society for Burn Injuries Committee Chair for Research and a Research Fellow with the National Burns Center, Sheba Medical Centre, Israel.