Promoting Wound Repair through topical agents

Currently we are working on two different agents that can be applied to burns at the time of injury and promote better healing. Both these treatments appear to be effective in promoting wound healing in multiple different models that we have tested. Both these potential treatments are currently undergoing continued validation and analysis, with the prospect of clinical testing of these agents during 2008. Work conducted during 2007 has continued to demonstrate the effectiveness of these agents in wound healing and advanced our knowledge of how to apply these agents in the clinical setting. Both these projects have led to publications during 2007, one in press and one accepted for publication.

The role of Nutrition and Vitamin supplementation in wound repair

An initial study into the role of a number of vitamins during 2007 identified supplements that may potentially promote better healing. In 2008, a clinical trial will be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of these supplements, together with extensive laboratory work to understand how these supplements are acting.

Assessment tools for analyzing the extent of burn injury and quality of healing

Currently one of the key problems facing burn surgeons is an inability to accurately assess a burn wound when admitted to hospital. As yet there is no accurate method for burn depth assessment. This has an impact on the quality of clinical study as well as the ability to treat patients appropriately. Using polarized optical coherence tomography (pOCT) we aim to develop better tools for accurate burn injury depth assessment.

Computer modeling and analysis of wound healing

The power of mathematical modelling and analysis has rarely been brought to investigations of wound healing. In collaboration with S Venkatesh and her group at the department of computing, Curtin university, we are currently using a number of algorithms to predict outcomes, analyse large batches of clinical data and reveal patterns not readily discernable by conventional analysis. This will hopefully provide interesting new leads to follow in our research.

Nanomembranes to promote wound healing

The development of nanomembranes as enhanced dressings for injury to promote healing continues. Recent funding will see further development towards clinical application during 2008, with more advanced studies on the membranes and a view to introducing early clinical trials.