Biomaterials for Treating Skin Loss

Book excerpt: The primary causes of wounds requiring skin replacement are severe burns and ulcers. Materials must provide an effective temporary barrier, promote healing and minimise scarring. Massive improvements have been made to skin repair biomaterials in the last ten years with widespread adoption of new developments in the medical sector. This book provides a comprehensive review of the range of biomaterials for treating skin loss.Part one discusses the basics of skin replacement with chapters on such topics as markets and regulation, biomechanics and the biological environment of skin. Part two then reviews epidermal and dermal replacement technology with chapters on such topics as alternative delivery of keratinocytes, collagen-based and human origin-based dermal replacement, and lyophilized xenogenic products. The final section explores combined dermis and epidermal replacement technologies and provides a round-up of skin replacement principles.With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Biomaterials for treating skin loss is a standard reference for those researching skin replacement technologies, particularly those interested in treating burns and ulcers. - Comprehensively reviews the range of biomaterials for treating skin loss and skin replacement principles - Examines the basis of skin loss from products and markets through to regulation and the biological environment of skin - Highlights developments in epidermal and dermal replacement technology covering topics such as collagen-based and human origin-based dermal replacement