Novel Xyloglucan Sheet for the Treatment of Deep Wounds: Preparation, Physicochemical Characteristics, and in Vivo Healing Effects.

In the present study, a novel wound dressing made of xyloglucan (Xyl)-sucrose (Suc) hydrogel was developed for the treatment of deep wounds including pressure ulcers. The dressing was prepared by casing an aqueous solution of Xyl and sugar and then warming, and a hydrogel sheet was obtained. The in vitro characteristics of these sheets, such as their strength, extensibility, water content, adhesion potential, and water absorption, were examined. The strength, Young's modulus, and adhesion strength of the sheets were greater when they had a lower water content. Furthermore, adhesion and gradual water absorbability were similar to those of commercial dressings. These in vitro features suggest that Xyl sheets possess the physicochemical properties required for wound dressings. In the in vivo experiment, a Xyl sheet made from a mixture of 3.0% (w/v) Xyl solution and 33.3% (w/w) Suc, which displayed moderate strength and water content, was selected and compared with gauze, commercial polyurethane film, and Xyl/Suc (1 : 2) hydrogel using a rat deep wound model caused by serious frostbite. Wound healing rates based on reductions in wound areas were the best in the order of the sheet > hydrogel > commercial film > gauze. The sheet resulted in better wound surface states than the other preparations by improving the conditions. Thus, the potential applicability of Xyl sheets to the treatment of deep wounds was demonstrated.