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Introduction: The skin regulates native moisture levels to maintain healthy conditions; however, in healthcare settings, this ability may be compromised leading to costly skin breakdown.1,2 Skin protectants are often used to combat deleterious external forces in such settings, but dermal moisture balance must be maintained in order to avoid moisture associated skin damage.3,4 This study was designed to determine the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of a novel class of skin protectant.
Methods: A cyanoacrylate skin protectant was evenly applied on a bovine gelatin solution and allowed to dry for an hour. Then, the gelatin base was dissolved in water, leaving the protectant film. Cylinders were filled with a solution of deionized water and calcium chloride (to maintain humidity). Protectant film disks were cut to cover the cross section of the cylinder. The initial weight of the cylindrical systems was taken, and the systems were inverted so the solution was in contact with the film. Cylinders were heated at 37°C for 4 hours and then reweighed to determine MVTR. A high value is indicative of high breathability.
Results: The mean MVTR of the cyanoacrylate was 4351.80 + 948.77 g/m2/day. To put this value in context, evidence shows that dressings with MVTR 2000–2500 g/m2/day are deemed to be breathable.5
Conclusion: This study was run to evaluate the MVTR of a novel class of skin protectant. The cyanoacrylate yielded a high MVTR, indicating a high level of breathability. Additional studies are warranted.
Methods: A cyanoacrylate skin protectant was evenly applied on a bovine gelatin solution and allowed to dry for an hour. Then, the gelatin base was dissolved in water, leaving the protectant film. Cylinders were filled with a solution of deionized water and calcium chloride (to maintain humidity). Protectant film disks were cut to cover the cross section of the cylinder. The initial weight of the cylindrical systems was taken, and the systems were inverted so the solution was in contact with the film. Cylinders were heated at 37°C for 4 hours and then reweighed to determine MVTR. A high value is indicative of high breathability.
Results: The mean MVTR of the cyanoacrylate was 4351.80 + 948.77 g/m2/day. To put this value in context, evidence shows that dressings with MVTR 2000–2500 g/m2/day are deemed to be breathable.5
Conclusion: This study was run to evaluate the MVTR of a novel class of skin protectant. The cyanoacrylate yielded a high MVTR, indicating a high level of breathability. Additional studies are warranted.