| Abstract [eng] |
Skin injuries usually result on scaring, which may lead to physiological or psychological ailments. There are a lot of scar treatment therapies, however they are long-lasting and results are often inadequate. Moreover, side effects may occur causing scar relapse or even new scaring. Non-invasive methods for scar treatment (compression therapy, silicone sheeting and herbal extracts) are becoming increasingly popular. It is assumed that complex therapies would increase treatment efficiency and reduce treatment time. The goal of this research was to develop a complex pressure garment with silicone and medicinal plant extracts composite layer for effective treatment of hypertrophic scars. Methods of incorporation of red onion extract Allium cepa into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were investigated, microcapsules with polystyrene (PS) shell and Allium cepa oil extract core were produced. Methods for developing PDMS and Allium cepa extract composites were researched. Additive type and amount influence on mechanical properties of PDMS were investigated according to ISO 37 standard. Smart tool for contactless measurement of thin specimens’ mechanical properties (AU-TOOL) was used as well. To obtain additive migration and antimicrobial activity composite contact angle was measured. Furthermore, the dependence of adhesion between layers on different textile type was researched. Freeze-dried Allium cepa extract and PS:Allium cepa microcapsules additives showed baterticidal efficiency, modified the surface properties of the composites, increased the hardness of the PDMS and slightly diminished mechanical properties. Therefore these additives may be used to modify PDMS for hypertrophic scar treatment. Economic approach of the potential projects was evaluated. Necessary investments, estimated cost of the product, the payback period of the projects and financial indicators were calculated. |
