Technology

SUPRA EPT™
Engineered Polylactide Technology

What is SUPRA EPT™?

SUPRA EPT™ from PolyMedics Innovations (PMI) is the proprietary engineered polylactide technology that is the basis of our innovative range of synthetic wound healing products. While polylactic acid polymers have been used in medical devices since the late 1980s, particularly in bioabsorbable sutures, PMI has advanced this technology by taking bioabsorbable membranes and matrices to a new level.

The SUPRA EPT™ polymer enables us to create unique structures that are not found in biological products:

• Optimised and scalable porosity that supports angiogenesis and tissue ingrowth
• Pliability and flexibility at room temperature
• Adhesion and immediate conformation to the wound surface
• No preparation necessary prior to application
• No biological risks
• Hydrolytically biodegradable into CO₂ and H₂O

Lactate promotes wound healing

Studies suggest that lactate supports the healing process by promoting angiogenesis and stimulating the reconstruction of the (epi-)dermis by:

• increasing the VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) level ^1-4
• promoting the migration of endothelial cells^4-7 and fibroblasts ⁸
• increasing the collagen synthesis ^1,6,9-11

Lactic acid lowers the pH value

Lactic acid with an acidity constant (PkA) of 3.83 is able to lower the pH value. It is known that lowering the pH value accelerates wound healing by tiggering the following effects:

• Reduction in the activity of MMPs ¹²
• Improved tissue oxygenation ^12,13
• Unfavourable environment for pathogens ¹²

What makes SUPRA EPT™ unique?

SUPRA EPT™ is based on a proprietary lactide copolymer and is incorporated into a unique porous structure used in PMI’s SUPRATHEL® membrane and SUPRA SDRM®CW matrix. This combination of polymer and structure creates a positive environment for cell migration as well as tissue regeneration and re-epithelization.^3,8,13

SUPRATHEL → SUPRA SDRM CW →

Why use synthetic materials?

As synthetics are not based on biological materials, there is a much lower risk of contamination by residues of biological substances (e.g. proteins or pyrogens) which can trigger inflammation, allergic reactions or rejection of the material.

Why use synthetics?

Compared to collagen dressings, PMI synthetic technology has been proven to reduce the healing time of chronic wounds by more than 40%.¹⁴

¹ Lu et al. J Biol Chem. 2002 Jun 28;277(26):23111-5. | ² Lu et al. J Biol Chem. 2005 Dec 23;280(51):41928-39. | ³ Constant et al. Wound Repair Regen. 2000 Sep-Oct;8(5):353-60. | ⁴ Rendl et al. Br J Dermatol. 2001 Jul;145(1):3-9. | ⁵ Beckert et al. Wound Repair Regen. 2006 May-Jun;14(3):321-4. | ⁶ Nareika et al. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Oct;289(4):E534-42. | ⁷ Green et al. Nature. 1964 Oct 24:204:347-9. | ⁸ Hunt et al. Am J Surg. 1978 Mar;135(3):328-32. | ⁹ Klein et al. J Hand Surg Am. 2001 Sep;26(5):847-54. | ¹⁰ Wagner et al. Wound Repair Regen. 2004 May-Jun;12(3):368-73. | ¹¹ Porporato et al. Angiogenesis. 2012 Dec;15(4):581-92. | ¹² Ruan et al. J Biol Chem. 2013 Jul 19;288(29):21161-72. | ¹³ Trabold et al. Wound Repair Regen. 2003 Nov-Dec;11(6):504-9. | ¹⁴ Kumar et al. J Cell Physiol. 2007 May;211(2):477-85. | ¹⁵ Demircan et al. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2021 Jan;27(1):122-31. | ¹⁶ Liden et al. Wounds. 2023 Aug;35(8):E257-60. | ¹⁷ GDemidova et al. Poster Presentation, EBA. 2017. | ^_ Everett et al. J Wound Care. 2015 Jul;24(7):S4-8. | ¹⁹ RING ET AL. INT J ARTIF ORGANS. 2010 DEC;33(12):877-84. | ²⁰ UNPUBLISHED DATA: PH REDUCTION IN VITRO WITH DIFFERENT STARTING PH LEVELS OF WATER

SUPRA EPT™ Engineered Polylactide Technology