Novel Skin Patch Combining Human Fibroblast-Derived Matrix and Ciprofloxacin for Infected Wound Healing

In the 2018 study, researchers developed a novel skin patch that combined a human fibroblast-derived matrix (hFDM) with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro) in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel for the treatment of infected wounds. The patch was tested in vitro and found to be non-cytotoxic, supported cell attachment and migration, and exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. An animal study using BALB/c mice with infected wounds showed that the PVA/Cipro/hFDM patch significantly improved wound healing over 21 days, with advanced skin regeneration including re-epithelialization, improved collagen texture and distribution, and regeneration of skin adnexa. The study concluded that the skin patch effectively combined the regenerative potential of ECM with the antibacterial activity of Cipro, leading to enhanced wound healing.