| abstract |
The healing of a surface wound is promoted by contacting the wound surfaces with a suspension of particles of collagen and a glycosaminoglycan that is chemotactic of fibroblasts and/or endothelial cells. Typical glycosaminoglycans that exhibit the desired chemotaxis are heparin, heparan sulfate, and alginate. Two or more glycosaminoglycans can be present in the suspensions. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan are present as a dry powdered suspension of particles. Preferably, collagen is present in the suspension in the order of 7-10 mg/ml; while the glycosaminoglycan is present in much lower concentrations, e.g., 250-350 mu g/ml. Application of the collagen/glycosaminoglycan suspension to open wounds greatly increases the rate of healing. The invention includes, an article, useful in the therapy for surface wounds, comprising the suspension of particles on a gauze, bandage tape or the like. |