During wound healing, the formation of granulation tissue is required to fill the injury site. This process observed clinically corresponds to the production of extracellular matrix by a key cell, the fibroblast. Fibroblasts migrate into the injury site, proliferate and fill the wound with a new matrix consisting of macromolecules such as collagen (type I and III), elastic proteins, fibronectin, glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) including hyaluronic acid not only providing structure, cohesion and integrity of the dermis but also hydration and cutaneous volume. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of a new wound dressing* with a novel hydrocolloid technology on the extracellular matrix synthesis. Normal Human Dermal Fibroblast (NHDF) were grown to confluency at 37°C in Dulbecco's Minimal Essential Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. A piece of dressing or a reference compound (positive control) was applied onto the cell layers for 72 hours. Neosynthesis of total GAGs was measured by [3H]-glucosamine incorporation in GAG fraction; collagen and fibronectin were quantified using specific ELISA assays, and matrix organization was visualized by immunofluorescence. A contact layer with a novel hydrocolloid technology stimulated the production/release of soluble (pro)collagen I significantly. It moderately stimulated the neosynthesis of GAGs by fibroblasts demonstrated by incorporation of glucosamine and sulfate incorporation into GAGs. In contrast, the concentration of soluble fibronectin was reduced after application of the wound dressing. These differences suggested a possible modification of the extracellular matrix produced by the cells after exposure to a wound dressing incorporating novel technology.

A contact layer* with novel hydrocolloid technology , which is used in acute and chronic wounds, stimulates fibroblast proliferation and dermal matrix synthesis. Both activities are important for the promotion of wound repair, especially in chronic wounds. These in vitro observations need to be confirmed in clinical studies.