Production of a Multifunctional PLGA Wound Dressings Containing Abietic Acid and Chlorin e6

Wound is formed by the disruption of the anatomical and functional integrity of living tissue and its healing is a dynamic process. The skin has the ability to heal itself, but the formation of bacterial infections during this process delays healing time or sometimes results in unsuccessful healing. Wound dressings offer promising treatments to prevent the formation of bacterial infection by providing antibacterial activity in the wound area. Similar to wound dressings, light applications at certain wavelengths and power densities accelerate the healing process and may have similar antibacterial activity. In the presence of a photosensitizer, the antibacterial activity of light applications may become more effective. In this study, PLGA-based wound dressings (WDs) were produced with chlorin e6 and abietic acid by a thin film casting method to be concomitantly applied with light applications in future studies. SEM analyses, swelling, and degradation tests were performed for the characterization of PLGA-based wound dressings. All WDs were created with smooth surfaces that degrade at the same rate and some WDs reach maximum swelling after 24 hours. Hence, the production of thin film WDs that can be combined with antibacterial treatment modalities is important and necessary for the elimination of infection and improvement of wound healing.