Binding and inhibition of protease enzymes, including MMPs, by a superabsorbent dressing in vitro.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the binding and inactivation action of a superabsorbent dressing on proteolytic enzymes MMP-2, MMP-9 and collagenase using an established methodology. METHOD An in vitro assay of MMP binding and collagenase inactivation has been conducted using the superabsorbent wound dressing (Eclypse; Advancis Medical UK). Dressings in this category, and other absorbents, have been claimed to possess MMP-binding characteristics; however, for most there is no published evidence as yet. In this series of experiments, we have used validated experimental techniques to evaluate such activity. RESULTS Results show that the superabsorbent dressing does have a statistically-significant effect in binding two of the most important MMPs, MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as inhibiting collagenase. CONCLUSION These results support this activity for the superabsorbent dressing and indicate a probable beneficial clinical action in reducing the influence of these enzymes in delayed wound healing.