Biomedical Solutions

Chitosan, a versatile derivative, has been recognized for over 200 years as an aid in the treatment of wounds and burns. Chitin wound dressings have been used to speed healing and prevent the formation of scar tissue in burn victims.

Biomedical solutions target the following applications:

• Hemostasis. Chitosan, even at low concentrations, binds to and agglutinates red blood cells, thereby serving as a hemostatic agent.
• Wound healing. Chitin has been found to have an acceleratory effect on the wound-healing process. Wounds heal faster when they are treated with regenerated chitin fibers.
• Burn treatment. Chitosan can form tough, water-absorbent, biocompatible films by the application of an aqueous solution of chitosan acetate. The solution provides a soothing effect when applied to the open wounds of burn patients. Allowing excellent oxygen permeability, chitosan prevents oxygen-deprivation of injured tissues. Chitosan films absorb water and are naturally degraded by body enzymes, eliminating the need to remove the wound dressing, which could cause damage to the injury site.

Interested in partnering with HaloSource Biomedical? Contact Everett Nichols, vice president, reseach and development.