| abstract |
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a biopolymer matrix comprising cross-linked vinyl-derivatives of gelatin, or co-polymerized methacrylamide modified gelatin with vinyl-modified polysaccharides, or cross-linked vinyl-substituted polysaccharide and gelatin being physically entrapped in a semi-interpenetrating network. Preferably said polysaccharide comprises dextran or xanthan. The present invention also relates to a wound dressing or a controlled release device comprising said biopolymer matrix. Preferably said matrix is in the form of a hydrated film, a hydrated or dry foam, dry fibers which may be fabricated into a woven or non-woven tissue, hydrated or dry microbeads, dry powder, or covered with a semipermeable film so as to control the humidity of the wound covered with the dressing, with the permeability chosen so as to maintain this humidity within a therapeutically optimal window. |