Our PLA Technology behind our family of novel synthetic wound healing products is based on a proprietary lactide-based copolymer. While PLA-based polymers have been used in medical devices (particularly bioabsorbable sutures) since the late 1980s, PMI has taken the technology to a new level in the development of bioabsorbable membranes and matrices.
Our proprietary PLA Technology allows us the flexibility to create a unique family of structures not available 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
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 cells4-7 and fibroblasts 8
• increasing the collagen synthesis 1,6,9-11
Lactic acid with a pKa of 3.83 reduces the pH. 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
Our proprietary lactide-based copolymer is incorporated into a unique porous structure used in PMI’s SUPRATHEL® membrane and SUPRA SDRM® matrix. This combination of polymer and structure creates a positive environment for cell migration as well as tissue regeneration and re-epithelization.
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.
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
