In Silico and invitro modelling of chronic wounds to improve our understanding of wound biomechanics and to test novel medical devices

Hendon, Alexandra Claire

Abstract

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely used system that aids the healing of chronic wounds through the application of sub-atmospheric pressure. The effectiveness of this method is widely recognised, however the mechanisms behind this are not well understood. In particular, it is widely believed that NPWT has a strong biomechanical influence on the wound healing process, however the precise mechanisms involved are unknown.
This project aimed to fill some of the gaps in our understanding of the biomechanics of the wound healing process by creating validated in silico and in vitro wound models. The overall goal was to provide tools that enable the investigation of how biomechanical forces dissipate through wounds and the surrounding tissues and provide physiologically representative physical wound models to allow novel medical devices and procedures to be tested in vitro and in silico.
A multiphase approach was taken to the investigation of the mechanical strain throughout the surrounding biological tissue. The first stage was the development of a biomechanically similar in vitro wound model through the mechanical testing of elastomeric materials followed by the development of an equivalent in silico model. Macroscopic and microscopic in silico models with biological material properties were then created to investigate the strain distribution and displacement induced by NPWT with different wound filler materials.
It was found that the strains induced through the model during NPWT were comparable to those known to induce the expression of hormones and proteins known to promote granulation tissue growth and wound healing. These strains were experienced around the wound in addition to throughout the surrounding tissue. The models developed in this project are adaptable and able to be utilised in the future testing of novel medical devices.

Citation

Hendon, A. C. In Silico and invitro modelling of chronic wounds to improve our understanding of wound biomechanics and to test novel medical devices. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4703110

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 12, 2024
• Keywords: Medical engineering
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4703110
• Additional Information: Department of Medical Engineering; University of Hull
• Award Date: Apr 24, 2024