Chitin, a unique
biopolymer based on the
N-acetyl-glucosamine monomer is envisioned to promote rapid dermal regeneration and accelerate wound healing. It has many useful and advantageous
biological properties for its application as a
wound dressing.
Chitin membranes were prepared using
lithium chloride/
dimethylacetamide solvent system and evaluated for use as a
wound dressing. Swelling behaviour, moisture vapour transmission rate, microbial impermeability and antimicrobial efficacy of the dressings was evaluated. The
chitin dressing provided an effective barrier to microbial penetration and exerted a broad bacteriostatic action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Gamma irradiation at 25 kGy was found suitable for sterilisation of the dressings. The thermal decomposition of unirradiated and irradiated
chitin membranes was investigated. No significant change in the thermal behaviour because of irradiation at 25 kGy was observed. In vitro biodegradation of unirradiated and irradiated
chitin membranes showed the susceptibility of the
chitin dressing to
lysozyme.
Irritant effect of the
chitin membrane dressings on skin was tested. Subcutaneous and scarification test in guinea pigs showed no signs of
inflammation. This was further supported by the Finkelstein's test performed in rabbits. The
chitin membranes were found to have optimal performance characteristics of a
wound dressing and showed no toxicity or possible adverse reactions. The study shows the
chitin dressings as useful adjunct in
wound care.