<p>Rapid wound healing is important to regain the skins protective function after injury. Studies have shown that enamel matrix proteins (EMP) have many desirable effects which may accelerate wound healing [Bosshardt <em>et al.</em> 2008].</p><p> </p><p>Polymers (Polymer A, B and C) were formed into a mat form, with or without incorporated enamel matrix derivative (EMD) (Collaboration partner). The materials may be suitable for wound care and drug delivery systems.</p><p> </p><p>Protein release tests were performed on samples incubated in physiological-like solution using pyrogallol red staining, ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Protein was detected in Polymer A material samples, compared to a reference material sample, using pyrogallol red staining. An in vitro experiment showed that normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cultivated with Polymer A material (with EMD) had significantly higher viability than NHDF cultivated with reference material (Polymer A without EMD) and comparable viability to fibroblasts grown with either 0.1 mg EMD in solution or with 10% fetal calf serum. Images taken of Polymer A material, with incorporated Fluorescein isothiocyanate- (FITC) labeled EMD, indicate a homogenous distribution of EMD peptides and/or EMD aggregates throughout the material. A dressing which contains an active substance may have clinical promise for wound care applications.</p>

Rapid wound healing is important to regain the skins protective function after injury. Studies have shown that enamel matrix proteins (EMP) have many desirable effects which may accelerate wound healing [Bosshardt et al. 2008]. Polymers (Polymer A, B and C) were formed into a mat form, with or without incorporated enamel matrix derivative (EMD) (Collaboration partner). The materials may be suitable for wound care and drug delivery systems. Protein release tests were performed on samples incubated in physiological-like solution using pyrogallol red staining, ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Protein was detected in Polymer A material samples, compared to a reference material sample, using pyrogallol red staining. An in vitro experiment showed that normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cultivated with Polymer A material (with EMD) had significantly higher viability than NHDF cultivated with reference material (Polymer A without EMD) and comparable viability to fibroblasts grown with either 0.1 mg EMD in solution or with 10% fetal calf serum. Images taken of Polymer A material, with incorporated Fluorescein isothiocyanate- (FITC) labeled EMD, indicate a homogenous distribution of EMD peptides and/or EMD aggregates throughout the material. A dressing which contains an active substance may have clinical promise for wound care applications.