Thesis

Multipurpose polymer wafers for skin regeneration

Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2023
Thesis identifier
  • T16515
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201971169
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Skin regeneration serves to maintain the protective barrier that isolates our internal environment from the external world, however in some situations the body’s ability to regenerate skin can be hindered and compromised. As of such, it is therefore necessary to develop a strategy to expedite the regeneration of skin and to alleviate the circumstances leading to impaired regeneration. Impaired regeneration is generally as a result of bacterial infections, resulting in an extended inflammatory phase, thereby leading to a delay in the healing phase. A variety of studies were conducted which paved the way towards the development of a multifunctional polymer wafer. This polymer wafer is designed to facilitate effective wound healing by eliciting antibacterial activity, absorbing wound exudate, providing suitable conditions for promoting wound healing and releasing therapeutic agents to help increase the speed of wound recovery. The polymer wafer device developed during the course of this study was able to elicit antibacterial activity via the use of nanosilver, whilst being able to retain high levels cell viability. The majority of the nanosilver particles produced within the matrix had a large enough size to not penetrate through damaged skin, whilst still being able to produce effective antibacterial activity without mammalian cell cytotoxicity, thereby legitimising its usage as an effective wound healing strategy.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Hoskins, Clare
  • Faulds, Karen
Resource Type
DOI
Embargo Note
  • This thesis is restricted to Strathclyde users only until 28th March 2028

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