Changes in Biophysical Properties of Human Amniotic Membranes after Different Preservation Methods and Radiation Sterilization

Biological dressings including human amniotic membrane have been used to cover wounds or skin defects and enhance healing by providing a structural format to the underlying tissue. Human amniotic membrane was first used as wound dressing in 1910 by JS Davis [1]. The amniotic membrane obtained from human placenta possesses most of the characteristics of an ideal skin substitute even after processed into amnion grafts. Amnion is capable to maintain a physiologically moist microenvironment that promotes healing [1, 2]. Amnion has strong structure but yet elastic and soft, making it the most currently accepted tissue replacement to reconstruct human tissue [3]. In addition, amnion does not cause immunological reactions and it is very light since the material is very thin. Amnion permits early mobilization of patients, and patients’ bodies can accept amnion quite well. It also has the ability to conform well to body contour [4].