Wound Care

We analyze unique sets of biomarkers associated with the wound healing process and determine whether experimental therapeutics are likely to enhance normal reepithelialization.

  • The complex process of wound healing involves the interaction of many cell types and molecules during overlapping phases to repair skin after injury.
  • Wound healing can be investigated ex vivo in tissue explants by engineering wounds and comparing the effects of therapeutic formulations with untreated baseline wounds and wounds treated with preparations known to promote or impair wound healing.
  • We use ELISA and multiplex assays that can detect up to 50 proteins at once to determine expression trends in biomarkers associated with wound healing, host antimicrobial activity, and inflammation/chronic wound formation.
  • We have panels that measure inflammation-associated protein concentrations, and we are in the process of completing a panel that will predict healthy and rapid wound healing.
  • We use fluorescence microscopy for various assays from immunohistochemistry to stains to measure reepithelialization.

Models Used

Human Skin

Read more about how we simulate infection, wounds, and inflammation in ex vivo human skin tissue.

We perform research on human skin to test for efficacy against known human pathogens. Our most common organisms tested are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Infections tested are planktonic or biofilm.

We perform research on human skin to test for efficacy against known human pathogens. Our most common organisms tested are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Infections tested are planktonic or biofilm.

Our standard model consists of a 5 mm (variable) explant with a smaller wound made inside. The wounds can be burns, incisions, or biopsy punches and can reach varying depths. We assess wound healing progress with biomarker panels and histology.

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Porcine Skin

Discover how we test a variety of products such as surgical site scrubs, wound dressings, skin cleaners, and disinfectants on our ex vivo porcine skin model.

Porcine skin testing is a method for testing formulations or compounds that are applied to skin (e.g., pre-surgical devices). We can test the efficacy of a compound against the host flora or a known seeded pathogen. We apply this testing on large or small areas of skin.

We can use our porcine skin models to study inflammation by testing the tissue for biomarkers known to be involved in inflammatory processes. After treating the skin with experimental formulations, we can analyze for differences in inflammatory cytokine concentrations at various time points.

Porcine skin serves as a relevant model for wound care. The skin has comparable thickness, hair follicle density, and wound closure via reepithelialization.

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