THIRD GENERATION MATERIALS FOR WOUND DRESSINGS

An ideal wound Dressing need to be redefined based on the nature of wound and wound classifications. Since generations, wound have been defined as self-healing process, but chronic wounds and other wound requires handling and care from different parameters like moist conditions, biocompatibility, microbial infection to mention a few. Traditional methods have been continuously worked upon to deliver better products. Starting from simple gauze dressings in 1900’s to bioactive dressings till today have been worked upon. Bioactive dressings based on different materials sodium alginate, chitosan, hydrocolloid, iodine has been covered in this review. Based on wounds different classifications of type of wounds, correlation of wounds with wound dressing have also been focussed upon. This has led to development of interactive dressings which are further developed as per wound requirement viz. semipermeable and hydrogel dressings. Efforts are in process to develop superabsorbing and bioactive material for critical wound care. The conventional primary and secondary dressings have been replaced by composite dressings composed by 4 to 5 layers with super absorbing materials incorporated in one of the layers which accumulates exudates from the wounds and also provides protection from leakage and thus avoiding cross infections which at times become a major concern. This article focuses on changing trends in the area of wound dressings through three decades.