ABSTRACT
In this chapter, a range of natural and man-made polymers used as base materials for wound dressings are discussed. Example products or research activities are highlighted where possible, and the benefits of the materials, in the context of wound care, are outlined. Natural materials used as wound dressings include cellulosic materials (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, oxidised cellulose, bacterial cellulose), alginate, chitin and chitosan, collagen and gelatine, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives and other natural polymers such as dextran, elastin, silk fibroin and sericin. The range of synthetic materials used in this field is even broader, covering nylon, polyester, polyurethane (including elastane), polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, poly-ɛ-caprolactone, polyacrylic acid, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, superabsorbent polymers, silicone and other adhesives for dressings. While some of the materials can arguably be said to be quite similar, or performing similar roles in a wound healing context, overall, the range of base materials available to the market is quite diverse. How sustainable they are, and the impact they may have on the environment are also quite different and a short section on sustainability and waste management is provided to increase awareness on this topic, given the disposable nature of wound dressings.
