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WO2025215378A1 - Composition textile non tissée - Google Patents

Composition textile non tissée

Info

Publication number
WO2025215378A1
WO2025215378A1 PCT/GB2025/050783 GB2025050783W WO2025215378A1 WO 2025215378 A1 WO2025215378 A1 WO 2025215378A1 GB 2025050783 W GB2025050783 W GB 2025050783W WO 2025215378 A1 WO2025215378 A1 WO 2025215378A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
absorbent layer
fibres
various embodiments
layer
process according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/GB2025/050783
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sarah WROE-NIELD
Claire BREWER
Adam Lewis
Samantha HUTCHINSON
David Parsons
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Convatec Ltd
Original Assignee
Convatec Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Convatec Ltd filed Critical Convatec Ltd
Publication of WO2025215378A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025215378A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/00051—Accessories for dressings
    • A61F13/00063—Accessories for dressings comprising medicaments or additives, e.g. odor control, PH control, debriding, antimicrobic
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/00987—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing non-adhesive dressings or bandages
    • A61F13/00991—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing non-adhesive dressings or bandages for treating webs, e.g. for moisturising, coating, impregnating or applying powder
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/01—Non-adhesive bandages or dressings
    • A61F13/01008—Non-adhesive bandages or dressings characterised by the material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/01—Non-adhesive bandages or dressings
    • A61F13/01034—Non-adhesive bandages or dressings characterised by a property
    • A61F13/01042—Absorbency
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
    • D04H1/425—Cellulose series
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
    • D04H1/4266—Natural fibres not provided for in group D04H1/425
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/44—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling
    • D04H1/46—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres

Definitions

  • NONWOVEN TEXTILE COMPOSITION FIELD [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to textile compositions, and more particularly to nonwoven textile compositions for use as wound dressings or debridement tools.
  • BACKGROUND [0002] Owing to an aging population and growing prevalence of vasculopathy, the incidence of chronic wounds is increasing worldwide. Chronic wounds are a major burden on healthcare systems and patient quality of life, often leading to loss of function and amputation. Although their treatment accounts for approximately 3% of total healthcare costs in developed countries, a 2018 cohort study found that fewer than 50% of chronic wounds managed by the UK National Health Service healed within a year. Moreover, chronic wounds recur in up to 60 ⁇ 70% of patients.
  • EPS extracellular polymeric substances
  • Biofilm is believed to exist in up to 80% of chronic wounds and is a direct cause of wound chronicity. Slough, and other non ⁇ viable matter, delays the formation of granulation tissue and facilitates the development of biofilm. It is evident that for any wound to successfully heal, biofilm and necrotic tissue must be removed from the wound bed. Ideal wound management involves the reduction of microorganisms and necrotic tissue to levels that can be managed by the host immune system, without inducing damage to healthy tissues nor bacterial resistance. Standard wound care involves cleansing the wound to remove loosely attached debris and bacteria, followed by the removal of necrotic tissue (debridement), and finally dressing application.
  • Dressings optimise the healing environment by balancing moisture levels, preventing infection, and removing debris.
  • wounds should be irrigated between dressing changes to remove any debris and biofilm that may have sloughed off onto the dressing.
  • normal saline is often used to irrigate wounds due to its high biocompatibility.
  • saline is non ⁇ antimicrobial and is ineffective at removing biofilm from necrotic wounds.
  • Broad ⁇ spectrum antiseptics are frequently used to control wound infection but are often cytotoxic due to their lack of selectivity. Selective antibiotics may be more effective at preserving host tissue, but their repeated use catalyses antibiotic resistance.
  • WO 2021/186188 A1 describes a wound dressing or debridement tool comprising an absorbent layer impregnated or coated with a composition comprising a chelating agent, an amphoteric surfactant, and an anionic surfactant.
  • a wound dressing or debridement tool comprising an absorbent layer impregnated or coated with a composition comprising a chelating agent, an amphoteric surfactant, and an anionic surfactant.
  • wound dressings or debridement tools that are simple, economical and safe to use while maintaining efficacy and suitability for use in wound dressings and debridement tools for the purposes discussed above.
  • wound dressings or debridement tools with good stability, e.g. during storage, prior to application on a wound dressing or debridement tool to ensure good uniformity and consistency in manufactured articles, and during use, for example when saturated with wound exudate.
  • a process for preparing a wound dressing or debridement tool comprising an absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a non ⁇ woven fabric, the non ⁇ woven fabric comprising gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres, wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer; the process comprising the following steps: (a) opening and carding the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres to provide a fibre web; (b) cross lapping and drafting the fibre web to provide a cross lapped fibre web; (c) needle punching the cross lapped fibre web.
  • a wound dressing or debridement tool obtainable from the process as defined herein.
  • the use of the wound dressing or debridement tool as defined herein is provided to prevent or minimise slough accumulation in a wound or to de ⁇ slough a wound, the use comprising contacting said wound dressing or debridement tool with said wound or contacting said wound with said wound dressing or debridement tool, preferably wherein the wound is a chronic wound, acute wound, or burn.
  • Fig. 2 Scatter graph – Textile Performance (Trial 3): Absorbency vs Wet Tensile Strength (Machine Direction).
  • Fig. 3 Scatter graph – Textile Performance (Trial 4): Absorbency vs Wet Tensile Strength (Machine Direction).
  • Fig. 4 Fluid Handling Comparative Study – Fluid Absorbance and Fluid Retention
  • Fig. 5 Wicking Distance Comparative Study
  • Fig. 6 Tensile Strength (Wet) Comparative Study
  • Fig. 7 Absorption under Compression Comparative Study
  • Fig. 8 Tensile Strength (Dry) Comparative Study [0022]
  • the claims include equivalents to the quantities.
  • the term “at least” includes the end value of the range that is specified. For example, “at least 10 wt%” includes the value 10 wt%.
  • “gel ⁇ forming fibres” and “gelling fibres” may be used interchangeably.
  • references in this specification and the claims to “non ⁇ gel forming fibres” and “non ⁇ gelling fibres” can be used interchangeably.
  • the ranges provided herein provide exemplary amounts of each of the components. Each of these ranges may be taken alone or combined with one or more other component ranges.
  • wt% means “weight percentage” as the basis for calculating a percentage. Unless indicated otherwise, all % values are calculated on a weight basis, and are provided with reference to the total weight of the product in which the substance is present. As used herein, w/w means “weight by weight” as the basis for calculating a percentage. Unless otherwise indicated, reference to "% by weight” (or “% by weight”) of a product, substance or composition reflects the total wet weight of the product or composition (i.e., including water). [0029] In various embodiments described herein, amounts may be described as an area density using the units g/m2.
  • the area density refers to the area of an absorbent layer as further described herein and the weight of the specified component comprised in or on said absorbent layer.
  • the composition may be applied to a wound dressing or debridement tool as described herein with an area density of 30 g/m2 or 15 g/m2.
  • An exemplary wound dressing may comprise an absorbent layer of dimensions 10 x 10 cm, giving an area of 0.01 m 2 .
  • 0.3 g of a composition as described herein would be applied to the absorbent layer to obtain an area density of 30 g/m 2 .
  • the composition may be applied to a single surface of the absorbent layer, for example in embodiments wherein the absorbent layer is comprised in a multi ⁇ layer wound dressing.
  • the composition may be applied to a first surface of the absorbent layer and to a second surface of the absorbent layer opposite to the first surface of the absorbent layer.
  • the composition may be applied to the wound dressing or debridement tool as described herein to contribute 15 g/m 2 on each of the first and second surfaces, i.e. such that the total area density applied to the absorbent layer is 30 g/m 2 .
  • the area densities recited herein refer to the total area density of composition applied to the absorbent layer, calculated on the basis of the area defined by the dimensions (width and length) of the absorbent layer and the total amount of the composition applied thereto, whether
  • the absorbent layer has an area of 0.01 m 2 (10 x 10 cm)
  • 1.5 g of a composition as described herein could be applied to the first surface of the absorbent layer and 1.5 g of the composition applied to the second surface of the absorbent layer to obtain a total area density of 30 g/m 2 .
  • substantially free means no more than trace amounts, i.e. the amount of the substance(s) concerned is negligible.
  • “substantially free” means no more than 1000 ppm, preferably no more than 100 ppm, more preferably no more than 10 ppm, even more preferably no more than 1 ppm of the substance(s) concerned.
  • the disclosure includes, where appropriate, all enantiomers and tautomers of the compounds disclosed herein.
  • a person skilled in the art will recognise compounds that possess optical properties (one or more chiral carbon atoms) or tautomeric characteristics. The corresponding enantiomers and/or tautomers may be isolated/prepared by methods known in the art.
  • Some of the compounds disclosed herein may exist as stereoisomers and/or geometric isomers – e.g.
  • wound may include an injury to living tissue and may be caused by a cut, blow, or other impact, abrasion, pressure, heat or chemical; typically, one in which the skin is cut or broken.
  • a wound may often be described as chronic or acute. Acute wounds may occur as a result of surgery or trauma. Typically, when not too severe and where the victim is otherwise in good health, wounds progress through well ⁇ defined stages of healing within a predicted timeframe.
  • Chronic wounds begin as acute wounds.
  • An acute wound can become a chronic wound when it does not follow the normal healing pathway resulting in a lengthened recovery. It is believed that the transition from acute to chronic wound can be due to an inadequate immune response for example: the patient being immuno ⁇ compromised, the wound being insufficiently perfused or being highly contaminated.
  • Chronic wounds may include for example: venous ulcers (such as those that occur in the legs due to venous insufficiency), which account for the majority of chronic wounds and mostly affect the
  • Wounds may also include a deep tissue injury. Deep tissue injury is a term proposed by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) to describe a unique form of pressure ulcers. These ulcers have been described by clinicians for many years with terms such as purple pressure ulcers, ulcers that are likely to deteriorate and bruises on bony prominences.
  • NPUAP National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel
  • the term "slough” is known to the skilled person and may be defined as a layer or mass of dead tissue separated from surrounding living tissue, or tissue that is adhered to a wound but capable of being removed as in a wound, sore, or inflammation WOUND DRESSING OR DEBRIDEMENT TOOL
  • Acute wounds occur as a result of surgery or trauma, typically when not too severe and where the subject is otherwise in good health. Wounds progress through well ⁇ defined stages of healing. Chronic wounds begin as acute wounds. For example, an acute wound can become a chronic wound when it does not follow the normal healing pathway resulting in a lengthened recovery.
  • Chronic wounds may include venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, arterial ulcers, and pressure injuries due to immobility. Wounds may also include a deep tissue injury; this is an expression used to describe a unique form of pressure ulcers.
  • Wound dressings and debridement tools are articles suitable for placement in direct contact with a wound.
  • a wound dressing may typically debride by autolysis.
  • Autolytic debridement refers to the lysis or breakdown of necrotic debris and devitalised tissues from a wound through the body;s own mechanisms, such as moist environments and endogenous enzymes.
  • the wound dressing comprises at least one layer comprising a foam, fabric (preferably a nonwoven fabric), or technical substrate.
  • the substrate may be a nonwoven or woven fibrous layer, a gel ⁇ forming fibre, or gauze. Gauze may be made from a cellulose, such as cotton or viscose.
  • the absorbent layer comprises one or more gel ⁇ forming fibres.
  • a compromise typically has to be struck when seeking to provide a wound dressing or debridement tool with the aforementioned properties, on the basis that a solution to improving one property, such as tensile strength, often impacts another property of the nonwoven fabric material, such as absorbency and/or conformability.
  • fabric conformability relates to the ability of a fabric material to conform to a contoured area, such as a wound site.
  • nonwoven fabrics can be strengthened by using stitchbonding, as is the case with AQUACEL® Extra.
  • AQUACEL® Extra is a nonwoven dressing with longitudinal warp stitching and internal transverse weft stitching.
  • Stitchbonding requires that a textile yarn is knitted throughout the nonwoven fabric, a process that can reduce manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, such bonding results in an irregular fabric surface, due to the formation of creases along the stitchbonding axis. This, effects the uniform application of substances to the fabric surface, which results in the uncontrolled dose of excipients to the nonwoven fabric. [0041] As disclosed herein, the inventors arrived at an optimal nonwoven textile composition that provided good wet and dry tensile strength, absorbency, and conformability, yet did not require stitchbonding.
  • a wound dressing or debridement tool comprising an absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric comprising gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres, wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 75 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 25 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 85 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 15 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 90 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 10 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 75 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 25 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 20 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 85 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 15 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 75 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 25 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 20 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 90 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 10 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 75 to about
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 85 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 15 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 90 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 10 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 20 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 85 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 15 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 90 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 10 wt% of the absorbent layer. [0043] By gelling fibres or gel forming fibres it is meant hygroscopic fibres that upon the uptake of wound exudate become moist slippery or gelatinous.
  • the gel forming fibres can be of the type that retain their structural integrity on absorption of exudate or can be of the type that lose their fibrous form and become an amorphous or structureless gel.
  • the gel forming fibres are typically sodium carboxymethylcellulose fibres, chemically modified cellulosic fibres, alkyl sulphonate modified cellulosic fibres, such as those described in WO2012/061225, pectin fibres, alginate fibres, chitosan fibres, hyaluronic acid fibres, or other polysaccharide fibres or fibres derived from gums, as well as non ⁇ cellulose synthetic fibres such as poly(vinyl alcohol) and polyacrylate.
  • the gelling fibres are typically chemically modified cellulosic fibres in the form of a fabric and in particular carboxymethylated cellulose fibres, as described in PCT WO00/01425.
  • Sodium carboxymethylcellulose fibres typically have a degree of substitution of at least 0.05 carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit.
  • the gelling fibres typically have an absorbency of at least 2 grams (or at least 8 grams, or at least 10 grams), 0.9% saline solution (Solution A) per gram of fibre (as measured by BS EN 13726 ⁇ 1 (2002) "Test methods for primary wound dressings", section 3.2 "Free swell absorptive capacity").
  • the carboxymethylated cellulosic fabrics typically have a degree of substitution between
  • the gelling fibres are selected from: carboxymethylcellulose fibres and derivatives thereof, modified cellulosic fibres, alkyl sulphonate modified cellulosic fibres, pectin fibres, alginate fibres, chitosan fibres, hyaluronic acid fibres, fibres derived from gums, non ⁇ cellulose synthetic fibres, superabsorbent fibres, such as polyacrylate fibres, and combinations thereof.
  • the gelling fibres are carboxymethylcellulose fibres or derivatives thereof (e.g. HYDROCELTM).
  • the non ⁇ gelling fibres are selected from: cellulosic fibres, modified cellulosic fibres, polyester fibres, polypropylene fibres, polyamide fibres, or combinations thereof.
  • the non ⁇ gelling fibres are cellulosic fibres, modified cellulosic fibres, or a combination thereof.
  • Highly preferred non ⁇ gelling fibres are lyocell fibres (e.g. LYOCELLTM).
  • the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in the non ⁇ woven fabric at a weight ratio of from about 85:15 to about 65:35.
  • the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in the non ⁇ woven fabric at a weight ratio of about 80:20 to about 70:30. In a preferred embodiment the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in the non ⁇ woven fabric at a weight ratio of about 75:25.
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a basis weight of about 160 – 185 gsm. [0051] In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm.
  • the nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of about 160 – 185 gsm.
  • the absorbent layer disclosed herein may have a thickness between about 0.5mm to about 20mm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer disclosed herein may have a thickness between about 1mm to about 10mm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer disclosed herein may have a thickness between about 1.5mm to about 7 mm.
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a bulk density of about 25 – 100 kg/m 3 . In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a bulk density of about 35 – 90 kg/m3. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a bulk density of about 40 – 80 kg/m 3 . [0054] In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a bulk density of about 25 – 100 kg/m 3 . In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a bulk density of about 35 – 90 kg/m3. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a bulk density of about 40 – 80 kg/m 3 .
  • the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.05g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.10g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.20g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.25g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.30g/cm2 or more.
  • the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.35g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.40g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.45g/cm2 or more. [0056] In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.05g/cm 2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.10g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm2 or more.
  • the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.20g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.25g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.30g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.35g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.40g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.45g/cm2 or more. [0057] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 45%.
  • the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 55%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 65%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 75%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 85%. In various embodiments,
  • the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 90%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 95%.
  • the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 45%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 55%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 65%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 75%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 85%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 90%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 95%.
  • the absorbent layer has a lateral wicking distance of no more than about 40 mm in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a lateral wicking distance of no more than about 30 mm in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a lateral wicking distance of no more than about 25 mm in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a lateral wicking distance of no more than about 20 mm in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. [0060] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.10 g/cm 2 .
  • the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.12 g/cm 2 . In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.14 g/cm2. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.16 g/cm 2 . In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.18 g/cm 2 . In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.20 g/cm2. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.22 g/cm 2 .
  • the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.24 g/cm 2 . In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.26 g/cm 2 . [0061] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dimensional shrinkage of no greater than about 25 % in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dimensional shrinkage of no greater than about 20 % in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dimensional shrinkage of no greater than about 15 % in the machine direction and in the transverse
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a dimensional shrinkage of no greater than about 10 % in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. [0062] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 1.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 2.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 4.0 N/cm.
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 5.0 N/cm.
  • the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 1.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 2.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 4.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 5.0 N/cm.
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 5.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 9.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 13.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 17.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 21.0 N/cm. [0065] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) is needle punched.
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch density of about 25 to about 150 per cm2. In various preferred embodiments the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch density of about 30 to about 80 per cm 2 . [0066] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 1mm to about 20mm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 5mm to about 20mm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 5mm to about 15mm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 5mm to about 10mm.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of one or more absorbent layers; preferably wherein the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of a plurality of absorbent layers. [0068] In a preferred embodiment, the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of the absorbent layer.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of one or more absorbent layers and one or more functional layers selected from: an outer cover layer, a transmission layer, an adhesive layer, a support layer, a distribution layer, a soluble medicated film layer, an odour ⁇ absorbing layer, a spreading layer, a keying layer, a superabsorbent layer or combinations thereof; preferably wherein the one or more further functional layers is selected from: a wound contacting layer, a transmission layer, an adhesive layer, a superabsorbent layer or combinations thereof.
  • the absorbent layer(s) consists of the nonwoven fabric.
  • the nonwoven fabric consists of the gelling fibres and the non ⁇ gelling fibres.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of the absorbent layer, where the absorbent layer consists of the nonwoven fabric.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of the absorbent layer, where the absorbent layer consists of the nonwoven fabric and the non ⁇ woven fabric consists of the gelling fibres and the non ⁇ gelling fibres; preferably wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool does not comprise a stitch (i.e. the wound dressing or debridement tool is not stitchbonded).
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool does not comprise a scrim.
  • the absorbent layer has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm2 or more, and (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%.
  • the nonwoven fabric has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm 2 or more, and (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%.
  • the absorbent layer has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm 2 or more, (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%, and (iv) a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • the nonwoven fabric has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm2 or more, (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%, and (iv) a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • the absorbent layer comprises a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric comprising gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres, wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm 2 or more, (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%, and (iv) a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • the nonwoven fabric comprises gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres that are present in the non ⁇ woven fabric at a weight ratio of from about 85:15 to about 65:35 and wherein the nonwoven fabric has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm 2 or more, (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%, and (iv) a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • a process for preparing a wound dressing or debridement tool comprising an absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric comprising gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres, wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer; the process comprising the following steps: (a) opening and carding the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres to provide a fibre web; (b) cross lapping and drafting the fibre web to provide a cross lapped fibre web; (c) needle punching the cross lapped fibre web.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 75 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 25 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 20 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 85 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 15 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 90 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 10 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 75 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 25 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 20 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 85 to about 90 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 10 to about 15 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 75 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 25 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and
  • the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 20 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 90 to about 85 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 15 to about 10 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 75 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 25 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 85 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 15 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 90 to about 80 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 20 to about 10 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 65 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 35 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 70 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 30 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 20 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 85 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 15 wt% of the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 90 to about 75 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 25 to about 10 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the absorbent layer(s) is needle punched. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch density of about 25 to about 150 per cm2. In various preferred embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch density of about 30 to about 80 per cm2. [0085] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 1mm to about 20mm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 5mm
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 5mm to about 15mm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 5mm to about 10mm.
  • the drafting set value (V) of the feeding and discharging of the web is at least about 30%; preferably wherein the drafting set value ratio (V) of the feeding and discharging of the web is at least about 40%.
  • the gelling forming fibres are typically chemically modified cellulosic fibres in the form of a fabric and in particular carboxymethylated cellulose fibres, as described in PCT WO00/01425.
  • Sodium carboxymethylcellulose fibres typically have a degree of substitution of at least 0.05 carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit.
  • the gel forming fibres typically have an absorbency of at least 2 grams (or at least 8 grams, or at least 10 grams), 0.9% saline solution (Solution A) per gram of fibre (as measured by BS EN 13726 ⁇ 1 (2002) "Test methods for primary wound dressings", section 3.2 "Free swell absorptive capacity”).
  • the carboxymethylated cellulosic fabrics typically have a degree of substitution between 0.12 to 0.35 (as defined in WO00/01425), more typically a degree of substitution of between 0.20 and 0.30, such that the absorbency of a fabric produced from is increased when compared to the unmodified cellulose.
  • the gelling fibres are selected from: carboxymethylcellulose fibres and derivatives thereof, modified cellulosic fibres, alkyl sulphonate modified cellulosic fibres, pectin fibres, alginate fibres, chitosan fibres, hyaluronic acid fibres, fibres derived from gums, non ⁇ cellulose synthetic fibres, superabsorbent fibres, such as polyacrylate fibres, and combinations thereof.
  • the gelling fibres are carboxymethylcellulose fibres or derivatives thereof (e.g. HYDROCELTM).
  • the non ⁇ gelling fibres are selected from: cellulosic fibres, modified cellulosic fibres, polyester fibres, polypropylene fibres, polyamide fibres, or combinations thereof.
  • the non ⁇ gelling fibres are cellulosic fibres, modified cellulosic fibres, or a combination thereof. Highly preferred non ⁇ gelling fibres are lyocell fibres (e.g. LYOCELLTM).
  • the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in the non ⁇ woven fabric at a weight ratio of from about 85:15 to about 65:35. In a various embodiments, the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in the non ⁇ woven fabric at a weight ratio of about 80:20 to
  • the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in the non ⁇ woven fabric at a weight ratio of about 75:25.
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a basis weight of about 160 – 185 gsm.
  • the nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of about 160 – 185 gsm.
  • the absorbent layer disclosed herein may have a thickness between about 0.5mm to about 20mm.
  • the absorbent layer disclosed herein may have a thickness between about 1mm to about 10mm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer disclosed herein may have a thickness between about 1.53mm to about 7 mm. [0096] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a bulk density of about 25 – 100 kg/m 3 . In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a bulk density of about 35 – 90 kg/m3. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a bulk density of about 40 – 80 kg/m 3 . [0097] In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a bulk density of about 25 – 100 kg/m 3 .
  • the nonwoven fabric has a bulk density of about 35 – 90 kg/m3. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a bulk density of about 40 – 80 kg/m 3 .
  • the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.05g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.10g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.20g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.25g/cm2 or more.
  • the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.30g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.35g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.40g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid absorbency of about 0.45g/cm2 or more. [0099] In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.05g/cm 2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.10g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.20g/cm2 or
  • the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.25g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.30g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.35g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.40g/cm2 or more. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid absorbency of about 0.45g/cm2 or more. [0100] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 45%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 55%.
  • the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 65%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 75%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 85%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 90%. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a fluid retention of at least about 95%. [0101] In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 45%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 55%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 65%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 75%.
  • the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 85%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 90%. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a fluid retention of at least about 95%.
  • the absorbent layer has a lateral wicking distance of no more than about 40 mm in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a lateral wicking distance of no more than about 30 mm in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has a lateral wicking distance of no more than about 25 mm in the machine direction and in the transverse direction.
  • the absorbent layer has a lateral wicking distance of no more than about 20 mm in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. [0103] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.10 g/cm 2 . In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.12 g/cm 2 . In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.14 g/cm2. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer has an absorption under compression of at least about 0.16 g/cm 2 . In various embodiments, the absorbent
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a dimensional shrinkage of no greater than about 25 % in the machine direction and in the transverse direction.
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a dimensional shrinkage of no greater than about 20 % in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dimensional shrinkage of no greater than about 15 % in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dimensional shrinkage of no greater than about 10 % in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. [0105] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 1.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 2.0 N/cm.
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 4.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a wet tensile strength of at least about 5.0 N/cm. [0106] In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 1.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 2.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 4.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the nonwoven fabric has a wet tensile strength of at least about 5.0 N/cm. [0107] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 5.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 9.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 13.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 17.0 N/cm. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) has a dry tensile strength of at least about 21.0 N/cm.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool does not comprise a stitch (i.e. the wound dressing or debridement tool is not stitchbonded). [0109] In some embodiments the wound dressing or debridement tool does not comprise a scrim. [0110] In some preferred embodiments the absorbent layer has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm2 or more, and (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%.
  • the nonwoven fabric has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm 2 or more, and (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%.
  • the absorbent layer has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm 2 or more, (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%, and (iv) a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • the nonwoven fabric has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm2 or more, (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%, and (iv) a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • the absorbent layer comprises a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric comprising gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres, wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm 2 or more, (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%, and (iv) a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • the nonwoven fabric comprises gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres that are present in the non ⁇ woven fabric at a weight ratio of from about 85:15 to about 65:35 and wherein the nonwoven fabric has (i) a basis weight of about 150 – 200 gsm, (ii) a fluid absorbency of about 0.15g/cm 2 or more, (iii) a fluid retention of at least about 45%, and (iv) a wet tensile strength of at least about 3.0 N/cm.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of one or more absorbent layers. In various embodiments, the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of a plurality of absorbent layers. In various embodiments, the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of the absorbent layer.
  • process step (a) is configured to blend the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres.
  • the process comprises process step (d) wherein the absorbent layer is adhered or affixed to one or more functional layers selected from: an outer cover layer, a transmission layer, an adhesive layer, a support layer, a distribution layer, a soluble medicated film layer, an odour ⁇ absorbing layer, a spreading layer, a keying layer, a superabsorbent layer or combinations thereof.
  • the one or more further functional layers is selected from: a wound contacting layer, a transmission layer, an adhesive layer, a superabsorbent layer or combinations thereof.
  • the absorbent layer(s) consists of the nonwoven fabric.
  • the non ⁇ woven fabric consists of the gelling fibres and the non ⁇ gelling fibres.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of the absorbent layer, where the absorbent layer consists of the nonwoven fabric.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of the absorbent layer, where the absorbent layer consists of the non ⁇ woven fabric and the non ⁇ woven fabric consists of the gelling fibres and the non ⁇ gelling fibres; preferably wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer.
  • the absorbent layer(s) is a wound contact layer.
  • the process comprises process step (e) wherein one or more substances are at least partially impregnated or coated on at least one surface of the absorbent layer(s).
  • the one or more substances are at least partially impregnated or coated on at least one surface of the absorbent layer(s) by printing, such as screen printing, gravure printing, rotary pad printing and needle dosing.
  • the one or more substances are selected from those disclosed above.
  • the one or more substances is selected from: a medicament, an adhesive, a deodorant, a chelating agent, a surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a thickening agent, an electrically conductive formulation, a
  • thermoresponsive agent an exothermic agent, an endothermic agent, or a combination thereof; preferably wherein the medicament comprises one or more agents selected from the group consisting of: antimicrobials, analgesics, coagulants, anti ⁇ inflammatories or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more substances comprises a wound cleansing or debridement composition; preferably wherein the composition comprises: i. a chelating agent; ii. an amphoteric surfactant; iii. an anionic surfactant; and iv. a thickening agent, wherein the thickening agent comprises at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof.
  • the one or more substances comprises a non ⁇ antimicrobial composition, said composition comprising (i) glycerol, triglycerol or a combination thereof, and (ii) one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol, wherein the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) in the composition is from about 2:1 to about 5:1.
  • the one or more substance is applied in the form of a solid, a gel, a wax, a liquid, a suspension, or an emulsion; preferably wherein the substance is applied in the form of a liquid.
  • a substance or composition described herein is comprised in a wound dressing or debridement tool as defined herein, wherein said wound dressing or debridement tool comprises an absorbent layer at least partially impregnated or coated with said substance or composition.
  • said wound dressing or debridement tool comprises an absorbent layer at least partially impregnated or coated with said substance or composition.
  • Various methods by which the substance or composition is at least partially impregnated or coated in or on the absorbent layer are known in the art and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.
  • Inclusion of the disclosed technology in a wound dressing or similar wound treatment device can be achieved by addition to the material from which the dressing or device is constructed or by addition to the finished dressing/device.
  • the substance or composition may be added to the dope (the liquid from which the fibres are spun (extruded)).
  • the substance or composition may be co ⁇ extruded in a hot melt process.
  • the substance or composition may be washed into the fibre by a soaking process.
  • the substance or composition may be coated onto the formed fibre by passing
  • the solute may be removed by a drying process known in the art, such as by forced air or any other gas, particularly nitrogen if flammable solvents are involved, or by heat, or by heat and forced air) or as a molten liquid.
  • the substance or composition may be sprayed onto the formed fibre in a liquid form or from a solution (where the solute may be removed by a drying process known in the art such as by forced air or any other gas, particularly nitrogen if flammable solvents are involved, or by heat, or by heat and forced air) or as a molten liquid in a hot ⁇ melt inkjet process.
  • the substance or composition may be added as a powder coating where adhesion could be encouraged by electrostatic effects or by increasing the adhesive tack properties of the receiving fibre (say by partial hydration using humidity or by pre ⁇ treating the fibre with a viscous liquid such as an alcohol (for example hexanol), a polyol (for example propan ⁇ 1,2 ⁇ diol or glycerol), a hydrophilic hydrocarbon (for example a polyethylene oxide) or by the order of addition of the substance or composition itself (for example a liquid surfactant such as liquid fatty acid or fatty acid salt or a liquid fatty acid that will form the salt in situ).
  • a viscous liquid such as an alcohol (for example hexanol), a polyol (for example propan ⁇ 1,2 ⁇ diol or glycerol), a hydrophilic hydrocarbon (for example a polyethylene oxide) or by the order of addition of the substance or composition itself (for example a liquid surfactant such as liquid fatty acid or fatty
  • the technology may be added via similar washing, coating, spraying or powder coating. Additionally, the substance or composition may be added by suspending the substance or composition in a non ⁇ solvent and passing this through the wound dressing/debridement tool such that the suspended technology is mechanically trapped (i.e. positively added by filtration). [0133] In further embodiments, the substance or composition may be added as an ink or pigment by a printing process, for example a screen ⁇ printing process, where the addition can be closely controlled by use of the screen.
  • the print could be a continuous, for example as achieved by flood ⁇ coating, or, more preferably as a discontinuous coating (regular or random patterned) as it has less impact on porosity/breathability, flexibility and ability to contour to the complex topography of the wound bed and both the macroscopic (physiology) and microscopic (cellular) levels.
  • the substance or composition may be added as a separate layer, for example as a gel coating directly onto the wound dressing/debridement tool, for example by way of a knife ⁇ over ⁇ roll or gravure coating technique.
  • the substance or composition may be cast as a film by a similar coating technique and then adhered to the wound device by tackifying the device or the film by, for example humidification, or by the addition of an adhesive.
  • tackifying the device or the film by, for example humidification, or by the addition of an adhesive.
  • roller printing methods e.g. flexographic, serigraphic and intaglio techniques
  • the method utilises equipment generally consists of a plurality of cylinders and/or rollers on which a number of engraved rollers may apply a particular formulation to an interceding material, such as a fabric material or other sheet ⁇ based materials.
  • roller printing methods such as a Gravure printing process or a Rotary Pad printing process
  • a printing roller and the other acts as an impression member. Passing between the rollers is the substrate material to be printed on.
  • the formulation is typically provided to the printing roller by passing through an underlying tray, where the printing roller takes up the formulation from the underlying tray, while a doctor blade eliminates any excess ink.
  • This printing typology allows the application of substances on a material in a rapid and economical manner.
  • the aforementioned techniques are often used for applying substances onto fabrics, such as woven or nonwoven fabrics, and sheet ⁇ based materials, such as foams or plastic sheet materials.
  • the substance or compositions of the present disclosure are particularly suited for the above discussed processes, and in particular processes for producing discontinuous coatings such as regular or random patterns such as dot arrays.
  • the substance or compositions of the present disclosure are particularly suitable for screen ⁇ printing.
  • the substance or compositions of the present disclosure are also specifically adapted for novel printing processes, such as the process referred to herein as “hybrid printing”.
  • hybrid printing it is known in the art to use solvent flooding to manufacture absorbent layers for wound dressings or debridement tools because it is efficacious in the delivery of excipients to the dressing. This process may involve saturating the absorbent layer with an excipient ⁇ containing solution, and removing excess solution. With gel ⁇ forming fibres in the absorbent layer, the water content of the excipient ⁇ containing solution may be minimised in order to avoid premature gelling of the fibres or reduction in absorbency of the absorbent layer.
  • the solvent used in the flooding process is primarily organic, e.g. an alcohol, and this can limit its application for large ⁇ scale manufacture both because of cost implications for infrastructure design and process controls, and safety implications surrounding the use of high volumes of volatile solvents. It would be desirable to manufacture absorbent layers on a large scale with improved considerations for safety, feasibility and efficacy.
  • the blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink (excipients fully dissolved in a liquid) or pigment (particles suspended in a liquid carrier), and a reverse stroke causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the ink or pigment to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh aperture as the screen springs back after the blade or squeegee has passed.
  • ink excipients fully dissolved in a liquid
  • pigment particles suspended in a liquid carrier
  • Rotary printing techniques such as Gravure or rotary pad printing techniques, are widely used for applying substances to medical devices.
  • Gravure or rotary pad printing techniques are widely used for applying substances to medical devices.
  • problems associated with using these techniques when it is desirable to apply specific quantities of one or more substances to a substrate material.
  • problems associated with the aforementioned printing techniques in that the application of the substances may lack uniformity in the surface application of the substance. This is particularly prevalent when the substrate materials have uneven surfaces, such as is the case for nonwoven fabrics, for example.
  • similar problems faced by screen printing were also associated with rotary ⁇ type printing techniques, where the viscosity of a formulation can have detrimental impacts on the final print finish.
  • the present invention provides a solution, where a method of applying one or more substance(s) to one or more absorbent layers of an article is provided, wherein the method comprises: ( a) providing at least one transfer means comprising an impression member and a transfer member, wherein the transfer member comprises one or more cells with outward facing apertures, and wherein the transfer member is provided on the exterior of the impression member; (b) introducing the one or more substance(s) into the one or more cells of the transfer member; and ( c) contacting the absorbent layer with the transfer member as the absorbent layer is conveyed along a transport path in a machine direction, wherein force applied by the impression member to at least the one or more cells comprised within the transfer member causes the one or more substance(s) comprised within the one or more cells to transfer to the absorbent layer.
  • the transfer means comprises of an impression member and a transfer member.
  • impression members are configured to apply a force to an opposing member or substrate
  • the transfer member comprises one or more cells with outward facing apertures that are capable of being loaded with one or more substances, which can be transferred to a substrate material.
  • the configuration of a transfer member provided on the exterior of the impression member results in a force being applied to at least the one or more of the cells comprised within the transfer member, causing the substance(s) comprised within the cells to transfer to the absorbent layer.
  • the one or more cells are constructed such that they can contain a substance described herein.
  • the cell construction is compressible, preferably reversibly compressible, such that the boundary of each cell collapses when force is applied and reverts to it original configuration when force is removed.
  • the action of the cell boundary forces all of the substance contained within the cell through the outward facing apertures and on to the substrate material, i.e. substantially no substance remains in the cell after step (c). This is advantageous because precise quantities of substance can be deposited on the substrate surface in a uniform manner.
  • the properties of the substrate upon which the substance is to be applied must also be considered carefully.
  • a substrate material with an irregular surface structure, i.e. an uneven surface, such as nonwoven fibres are notoriously difficult to apply precise and uniform amounts of a substance to using traditional printing techniques.
  • the inventors found that by using a transfer member comprising collapsible cells, one or more substances could be forced from the cells, through the outward facing apertures, and on to the substrate surface. The results were found to be particularly good for nonwoven fabrics. Traditional techniques were found to produce a diffuse pattern when printed onto nonwoven fabrics, whereas the method of the invention produced a well resolved print pattern in a uniform manner.
  • the transfer means consists of an impression member and a transfer member. In various embodiments the transfer means consists of the impression member and the transfer member wherein the transfer member is in the form of a layer of the one or more cells. [0150] In various embodiments at least two transfer means are provided. In various embodiments at least two transfer means are provided, each comprising an impression member and a transfer member. In various embodiments at least two transfer means are provided, each comprising an impression member and a transfer member, wherein each of the transfer members comprise one or more cells with outward facing apertures and are provided on the exterior of the impression members.
  • At least two transfer means are provided, each comprising an impression member and a transfer member, wherein each of the transfer members comprise one or more cells with outward facing apertures and are provided on the exterior of the impression members, and wherein the transfer means are positioned in proximity to each other such that pressure is formed on each transfer member by the corresponding impression members as the absorbent layer is conveyed along a transport path in a machine direction.
  • two transfer means are provided.
  • two transfer means are provided, each comprising an impression member and a transfer member.
  • two transfer means are provided, each comprising an impression member and a transfer member, wherein each of the transfer members comprise one or more cells with outward facing apertures and are provided on the exterior of the impression members.
  • two transfer means are provided, each comprising an impression member and a transfer member, wherein each of the transfer members comprise one or more cells with outward facing apertures and are provided on the exterior of the impression members, and wherein the transfer means are positioned in proximity to each other such that pressure is formed on each transfer member by the
  • the transfer means is a cylinder. In some embodiments the transfer means is stadium ⁇ shaped.
  • the transfer means comprises an impression member and a transfer member, wherein the transfer member is provided on the exterior of the impression member and wherein the transfer member partially surrounds the impression member in a longitudinal direction of the impression member.
  • the transfer means comprises of impression member and a transfer member, wherein the transfer member completely encompasses the impression member in a longitudinal direction.
  • TRANSFER MEMBER As described herein, the transfer member comprises one or more cells with outward facing apertures that are capable of being loaded with one or more substances, which can be transferred to a substrate material.
  • the transfer member comprises an elastomeric material.
  • the transfer member consists of an elastomeric material.
  • the transfer member comprises a silicone ⁇ based material, an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) based material, a polypropylene material, a polyethylene
  • the transfer member comprises a silicone ⁇ based material, an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) based material, or combinations thereof.
  • the transfer member comprises a silicone ⁇ based material.
  • the transfer member consists of a silicone ⁇ based material.
  • the transfer member comprises an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) based material.
  • the transfer member consists of an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) based material.
  • the transfer member comprises a silicone ⁇ rubber foam material. In various embodiments, the transfer member consists of a silicone ⁇ rubber foam material.
  • the transfer member has certain characteristics that ensure its suitability as a material for the transfer member(s) of the present invention, particularly for reversible compressibility of the one or more cells comprised within the transfer member(s).
  • the transfer member(s) have a Shore A hardness value of from about 5 to about 30. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a Shore A hardness value of from about 5 to about 25. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a Shore A hardness value of from about 5 to about 20. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a Shore A hardness value of from about 7 to about 20.
  • the transfer member(s) have a Shore A hardness value of from about 7 to about 15. [0161] Shore A hardness values can be determined, for example, using an industry standard Durometer in accordance with ASTM D2240. [0162] In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a density of from about 100 to about 500 g/cm 3 . In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a density of from about 100 to about 400 g/cm 3 . In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a density of from about 150 to about 400 g/cm 3 . In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a density of from about 200 to about 300 g/cm 3 .
  • the transfer member(s) have a compressive stress 40% strain of from about 30 to about 150 KPa. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a compressive stress 40% strain of from about 50 to about 90 KPa. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a compressive stress 40% strain of from about 70 to about 110 KPa. [0164] In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a compression set value (22 hours @ 70 o C) of about 20% or less. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) has a compression set value
  • the transfer member(s) has a compression set value (22 hours @ 70 o C) of about 12% or less.
  • the transfer member(s) have a tensile strength of about 0.5 N/mm 2 or more. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a tensile strength of about 0.6 N/mm 2 or more. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have a tensile strength of about 0.7 N/mm 2 or more.
  • the transfer member(s) have an elongation to failure of at least about 80%.
  • the transfer member(s) have an elongation to failure of at least about 100%. In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have an elongation to failure of at least about 150%. [0167] In some embodiments, the transfer member(s) have: (a) a Shore A hardness value of from about 5 to about 30; (b) a density of from about 100 to about 500 g/cm 3 ; (c) a compressive stress 40% strain of from about 30 to about 150 KPa; (d) a compression set value (22 hours @ 70 o C) of about 20% or less; (e) a tensile strength of about 0.5 N/mm 2 or more; (f) an elongation to failure of at least about 80%.
  • a pattern or design can be provided in the transfer member(s), which will dictate the pattern or design that will be conveyed to the substrate material.
  • a pattern can be provided in the transfer member(s) by acid etching, laser etching, injection moulded or mechanical engraving.
  • a pattern can be provided in the transfer member(s) by laser etching or injection moulded.
  • a pattern can be provided in the transfer member(s) by 3D printing the transfer member(s).
  • a wound cleanser may be an aid in debridement – removing deeply adherent, dead or contaminated tissue from a wound ⁇ but a debridement solution is not a wound cleanser.
  • Dakin s solution, a buffered 0.5 percent solution of sodium or potassium hypochlorite, is for example a debridement agent rather than a cleansing one because it is injurious to tissues.
  • a desirable wound cleanser should be biocompatible and physiologically compatible with the body tissue. Wound irrigation is the act of flushing a wound with a stream or flow of a solution across an open wound
  • a wound cleanser may also provide additional benefits such as moisturising, which may occur during irrigating or rinsing a wound with the cleanser.
  • the substances and compositions of the present disclosure disrupt and lift the loose components of wounds from the surface. Surprisingly the substances and compositions further disrupt one or more biofilms. The latter is advantageous because the presence of microbes in wounds is an additional and common impediment to the healing of wounds and can lead to clinical complications.
  • microbe means bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, amoeba, and slime molds.
  • the bacterial infection is associated with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • biofilm means a syntrophic consortium of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and optionally also to a surface. These adherent cells become embedded within a slimy extracellular matrix that is composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs).
  • EPSs extracellular polymeric substances
  • the wound comprises one or more biofilms and treating the wound comprises disrupting said one or more biofilms.
  • “disrupting” in the context of the one or more biofilms means loosening, softening, and detaching the biofilm from the wound bed.
  • the substances of the present invention are advantageous for the treatment of all wounds.
  • Wounds suitable for treatment may, for example, be acute, surgical, or traumatic wounds. Such wounds may be irrigated by the substances of the present invention to remove contamination and debris, and to clean the surrounding skin so that suitable dressings may be applied. Throughout the entire healing pathway, wounds may be cleansed e.g.
  • the substance of the present invention may be used to cleanse a wound that appears to be on a healing pathway in order to prevent opportunistic pathogens from forming biofilm. Cleansing with the substances of the present invention is particularly advantageous after debridement. Wound cleansing may also be performed to assist appropriate inspection and diagnosis.
  • the one or more substance(s) can be applied in the form of a solid, a gel, a wax, a liquid, a suspension, or an emulsion.
  • the substance(s) are applied in the form of a liquid.
  • a wide variety of substances are envisaged for the present invention, which are determined based upon, for example, application of the article, substrate material and printing pattern or design.
  • the one or more substance(s) are selected from: one or more of a medicament, an adhesive, a deodorant, a chelating agent, a surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a thickening agent, an electrically conductive formulation, a thermoresponsive agent, an exothermic agent, an endothermic agent, or a combination thereof.
  • the medicament comprises one or more agents selected from: antimicrobials, analgesics, coagulants, anti ⁇ inflammatories or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more substance(s) comprises a wound cleansing or debridement composition.
  • the one or more substance(s) comprises a wound cleansing or debridement composition comprising a chelating agent, an amphoteric surfactant, and an anionic surfactant.
  • the one or more substance(s) comprises a wound cleansing or debridement composition, preferably wherein the composition comprises: i. a chelating agent; ii. an amphoteric surfactant; iii. an anionic surfactant; and iv. a thickening agent, wherein the thickening agent comprises at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof.
  • the chelating agent may be selected from citrates, tartrates, tartramides, tartrimides, gluconates, lactates, glycolates, oxalates, phosphates, salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and mixtures thereof.
  • the chelating agent may be selected from citrates, phosphates, oxalates, salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and mixtures thereof.
  • the salts are metal ion or ammonium salts. The metal ion of said salts is not limited.
  • metal ion salts are preferred and may be selected from sodium and/or potassium salts.
  • the salts are sodium salts.
  • the chelating agent comprises a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
  • the ethylenediaminetetraacetate salt may be a mixture of di ⁇ , tri ⁇ , or tetra ⁇ basic salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA).
  • the EDTA salt may, for instance, be a di ⁇ sodium salt of EDTA, or calcium di ⁇ sodium salt of EDTA, or tetra ⁇ sodium salt of EDTA.
  • the salt of EDTA is a mixture of salts of EDTA. It is believed that EDTA, when present, will have a form which is dependent on the pH of the wound site.
  • EDTA may be added to the wound cleansing or debridement composition as a tetra ⁇ basic salt of EDTA such as tetrasodium EDTA. In some embodiments, EDTA is not in the form of the disodium salt.
  • the citrate salt may similarly be a mono ⁇ , di ⁇ or tri ⁇ citrate salt. In various embodiments the citrate salt may be mono ⁇ , di ⁇ or tri ⁇ potassium citrate or mono ⁇ , di ⁇ or tri ⁇ sodium citrate. In preferred embodiments, the citrate salt is a tri ⁇ citrate salt such as trisodium citrate.
  • the tartrate may be a mono ⁇ , or di ⁇ tartrate salt.
  • the tartrate salt may be mono ⁇ or di ⁇ potassium tartrate; or mono ⁇ or di ⁇ sodium tartrate. In specific embodiments, the tartrate salt is a di ⁇ tartrate salt such as disodium tartrate.
  • the gluconate may be potassium gluconate or sodium gluconate. In specific embodiments, the gluconate salt is sodium gluconate.
  • the lactate may be potassium lactate or sodium lactate. In specific embodiments, the lactate salt is sodium lactate.
  • the glycolate may be potassium glycolate or sodium glycolate. In specific embodiments, the glycolate salt is sodium glycolate. [0186]
  • the oxalate may be a mono ⁇ , or di ⁇ oxalate salt.
  • the oxalate salt may be mono ⁇ or di ⁇ potassium oxalate; or mono ⁇ or di ⁇ sodium oxalate. In specific embodiments, the oxalate salt is a di ⁇ oxalate salt such as disodium oxalate.
  • the phosphate salt may be an ortho ⁇ phosphate, a pyrophosphate, a tripolyphosphate or a derivatised phosphate.
  • the phosphate is typically in the form of a potassium or sodium salt. Examples include potassium phosphate dibasic, potassium pyrophosphate, tri ⁇ sodium ascorbate phosphate, disodium phosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate.
  • the phosphate salt is a di ⁇ phosphate salt such as disodium phosphate.
  • the chelating agent may be present in the substance in an amount of up to about 10 wt%, up to about 8 wt%, or up to about 6 wt% of the total weight of the substance. In various embodiments, the chelating agent may be present in the substance in an amount of at least about 0.5 wt%, at least about 1.0, or at least about 1.2 wt% of the total weight of the substance.
  • the amphoteric surfactant is selected from hydrocarbyl ⁇ amphoacetates, alkenyl ⁇ amphoacetates, hydrocarbyl ⁇ amphodiacetates, alkenyl ⁇ amphodiacetates, hydrocarbylampho ⁇ propionates, hydrocarbylampho ⁇ diproprionates, hydrocarbylamphohydroxypropyl sultaines, and mixtures thereof.
  • the hydrocarbyl and alkenyl groups are C6 to C24, C8 to C24, or C10 to C20, hydrocarbyl or alkenyl groups.
  • the amphoteric surfactant has a counter ⁇ ion of an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium, or an ammonium ion.
  • the amphoteric surfactant has an alkali metal counter ⁇ ion, and more preferably the counter ⁇ ion is sodium.
  • the term “hydrocarbyl” includes a group such as alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, cycloalkyl or alkenyl, which may be linear or branched, and/or saturated or unsaturated. In one embodiment, the hydrocarbyl may be a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group.
  • the amphoteric surfactant is a hydrocarbyl ⁇ amphoacetate salt, preferably a fatty acid amphoacetate.
  • the fatty acid or salt thereof may be a C6 ⁇ C24 fatty acid or salt thereof, or a mixture thereof.
  • the fatty acid or salt thereof may be saturated or unsaturated. When unsaturated, the unsaturated fatty acid or salt thereof may be mono ⁇ or di ⁇ unsaturated.
  • the unsaturated fatty acid or salt thereof may comprise cis ⁇ or trans ⁇ double bonds or mixtures thereof.
  • the fatty acid or salt thereof is a C12 ⁇ C18 monounsaturated fatty acid or salt thereof.
  • the amphoteric surfactant comprises a cocoamphoacetate.
  • the counter ⁇ ion of the cocoamphoacetate is preferably sodium.
  • Sodium cocoamphoacetate is commercially available, for example under the trade name Dehyton® MC (BASF) or Amphosol® 1C (Stepan®).
  • Such commercial preparations are typically solutions of sodium cocoamphoacetate, typically containing from about 30 to about 40 wt% sodium cocoamphoacetate on an actives basis.
  • the metal ions of the salt of the chelating agent and the salt of the amphoteric surfactant are the same.
  • both the chelating agent and surfactant are sodium salts.
  • the amphoteric surfactant may be present in the substance in an amount of up to about 15 wt%, up to about 10 wt% or up to about 5 wt% of the total weight of the substance. In various embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant may be present in the substance in an amount of at least about 1 wt% of the total weight of the substance.
  • the anionic surfactant may include all forms of lipophilic oligomeric hydrocarbon and/or polyethoxylate with a negatively charged hydrophilic head group such as carboxylate, sulphate, sulphonate, sulphonated ester, sulphated ester, sulphated amide, carboxylated amide, or phosphate anionic head group.
  • a negatively charged hydrophilic head group such as carboxylate, sulphate, sulphonate, sulphonated ester, sulphated ester, sulphated amide, carboxylated amide, or phosphate anionic head group.
  • a fatty acid or fatty acid salt may comprise 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as 10 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
  • the anionic surfactant comprises a fatty acid or salt thereof.
  • the fatty acid may comprise 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as 10 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
  • fatty acids include stearic acid, ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, eladic acid, petrolselinic acid, palmitic acid, erucic acid, behenic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, or linoleic acid.
  • the anionic surfactant may be a fatty acid or salt thereof which is a C6 ⁇ C24 fatty acid or salt thereof, or a mixture thereof.
  • the salt may be an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt, preferably an alkali metal salt.
  • the alkali metal is sodium or potassium, more preferably sodium.
  • the fatty acid or salt thereof may be saturated or unsaturated. When unsaturated, the unsaturated fatty acid or salt thereof may be mono ⁇ or di ⁇ unsaturated. The unsaturated fatty acid or salt thereof may comprise cis ⁇ or trans ⁇ double bonds or mixtures thereof. In further embodiments, the fatty acid or salt thereof is a C12 ⁇ C18 monounsaturated fatty acid or salt thereof. [0198] In particularly preferred embodiments, the fatty acid or salt thereof is oleic acid or a salt thereof. The salt of oleic acid is not limited and may be a metal salt of oleic acid.
  • the salt of oleic acid may be sodium oleate.
  • the salt of oleic acid may be formed by adding oleic acid to the substance such that the metal ions, e.g. sodium ions, are provided by provided by the chelating agent, the thickening agent and/or the amphoteric surfactant.
  • the amount of anionic surfactant in the substance is not necessarily limited.
  • the anionic surfactant may, for example, be present in the substance in an amount of up to about 15 wt%, up to about 10 wt%, or up to about 8 wt% of the total weight of the substance.
  • the anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of at least about 1 wt%, or at least about 1.5 wt% of the total weight of the substance. [0200] In various embodiments, the anionic surfactant is present in the substance in an amount of from about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, preferably from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, more preferably from about 1.5 wt% to about 8 wt% of the total weight of the substance.
  • poly(meth)acrylic acids may be homopolymers, copolymers, or interpolymers.
  • homopolymeric poly(meth)acrylic acids comprise a polymer backbone consisting of repeat units formed from (meth)acrylic acid.
  • Poly(meth)acrylic acid copolymers comprise repeat units formed from (meth)acrylic acid and may comprise further repeat units derived from other monomers.
  • Non ⁇ limiting examples of such monomers include (meth)acrylate esters, (meth)acrylamides, olefins, maleic anhydrides, vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, and styrenics; as well as unsaturated carboxylic acids other than (meth)acrylic acid.
  • a poly(meth)acrylic acid copolymer may comprise repeat units formed from (meth)acrylic acid and at least one alkyl acrylate.
  • a non ⁇ limiting example of a commonly used alkyl acrylate in such copolymers is C 10 ⁇ C 30 alkyl acrylate.
  • the poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof is an interpolymer.
  • the term “interpolymer” refers to a complex comprising at least two polymers. In such interpolymers, one or more of the constituent polymers may be a homopolymer or a copolymer.
  • At least one of the constituent polymers of the interpolymer may be a copolymer of acrylic acid and C 10 ⁇ C 30 alkyl acrylate.
  • the complex between the at least two polymers arises due to non ⁇ covalent interactions.
  • one polymer may be entangled within the other and/or be associated via hydrogen bonding.
  • the at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof is an interpolymer that comprises a block copolymer comprising polyethylene glycol and a fatty acid ester.
  • the fatty acid ester is 12 ⁇ hydroxystearic acid.
  • the poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof may be cross ⁇ linked.
  • Common cross ⁇ linking agents are known in the art.
  • the at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof may be cross ⁇ linked with an allyl ether cross ⁇ linking agent.
  • the allyl ether cross ⁇ linking agent is selected from allyl sucrose and allyl pentaerythritol.
  • Interpolymeric polyacrylic acids and/or salts thereof are described in e.g. US Patent Nos. 5,288,814 and 5,349,030, the contents of both being incorporated herein by reference.
  • Examples of commercially available interpolymeric polyacrylic acids and/or salts thereof suitable for use in the present disclosure include Carbopol® ETD 2020 and Carbopol® Ultrez 10.
  • the salts of the at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid are not limited. Poly(meth)acrylic acids are polyanionic polymers, i.e. the carboxylic acid side ⁇ groups of the polymer chain can be deprotonated and thereby acquire negative charge. Accordingly, the at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid when
  • the poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof comprises a sodium salt of poly(meth)acrylic acid.
  • counter ⁇ ions such as sodium ions may be provided by the chelating agent, the amphoteric surfactant and/or the anionic surfactant.
  • the degree of deprotonation of the poly(meth)acrylic acid will depend on various factors including the pH of the substance or composition, and thus the poly(meth)acrylic acid may be present in the substance or composition of the present disclosure in varying proportions of free acid and (poly)anionic forms thereof.
  • the pH of the substance or composition is from about pH 4 to about pH 10, from about pH 5 to about pH8, or from about pH 5.5 to about pH 6.5.
  • the at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof is present in the substance of the present disclosure in an amount of at least about 0.1 wt%, at least about 0.2 wt%, or at least about 0.3 wt% of the total weight of the substance .
  • the at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof is present in the substance of the present disclosure in an amount of up to about 2 wt%, up to about 1.5 wt%, up to about 1 wt%, or up to about 0.5 wt% of the total weight of the substance .
  • the at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof is present in the substance of the present disclosure in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 2 wt%, from about 0.2 to about 1.5 wt%, or from about 0.3 to about 1 wt% of the total weight of the substance .
  • the one or more substance(s) comprises a non ⁇ antimicrobial composition, said composition comprising (i) glycerol, triglycerol or a combination thereof, and (ii) one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol, wherein the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) in the composition is from about 2:1 to about 5:1.
  • (i) is glycerol or a combination of glycerol and triglycerol.
  • the combination of glycerol and triglycerol may have a parts by weight ratio of about 99:1 to about 50:50 parts. This range may be combined with the above weight ratio ranges for (i):(ii) as well as the concentration ranges described herein.
  • the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition may comprise (i) and (ii) at a weight ratio of from about 2.5:1 to about 4:1, wherein (i) is glycerol or a combination of glycerol and triglycerol, the combination having a parts by weight ratio of about 99:1 to about 50:50.
  • (i) in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition is glycerol.
  • concentration of (i) glycerol, triglycerol, or combination thereof is not critical to the present disclosure. As will be appreciated from the scope of the appended claims and the Examples, it is the relative amount of (i) to (ii) the one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol which is important (from about 2:1 to about 5:1, preferably from about 2.5:1 to about 4:1, more preferably from about 13:4 to about 4:1), and the concentrations of (i) and (ii) will depend on the concentration of the one or more excipients.
  • (i) may be included in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 50 wt% and preferably about 55 wt%.
  • (i) may be included in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of no more than about 90 wt% and preferably no more than about 85 wt%. Combining these lower and upper limits provides a general range of at least about 50 wt% to no more than about 90 wt%, and a preferred range of at least about 55 wt% to no more than about 85 wt%.
  • the carrier (i) is glycerol or a combination of glycerol and triglycerol, wherein the combination has a parts by weight ratio of about 99:1 to about 50:50, and wherein (i) is present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 50 wt% to no more than about 90 wt%.
  • (i) is glycerol, and glycerol is present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 50 wt% to no more than about 90 wt%.
  • (i) in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition is glycerol or a combination of glycerol and triglycerol, wherein the combination has a parts by weight ratio of about 99:1 to about 50:50, and wherein (i) is present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 55 wt% to no more than about 85 wt%.
  • (i) is glycerol, and glycerol is present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 55 wt% to no more than about 85 wt%.
  • the one or more C1 ⁇ 4 alcohol is included in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition to assist the glycerol, triglycerol, or combination thereof, in the solubilisation of the one or more excipients.
  • the alcohol is volatile, it can be evaporated off the absorbent layer after printing.
  • the one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol is selected from methanol, ethanol and propanol, or isomers and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the one or more C1 ⁇ 4 alcohol comprises ethanol.
  • industrial denatured alcohol is employed but the present disclosure is not limited to this specific form of the one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol.
  • (i) in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition is glycerol or a combination of glycerol and triglycerol, wherein the combination has a parts by weight ratio of about 99:1 to about 50:50; wherein (i) is present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 50
  • the one or more C1 ⁇ 4 alcohol is selected from methanol, ethanol and propanol, or isomers and mixtures thereof.
  • the one or more C1 ⁇ 4 alcohol is selected from methanol, ethanol and propanol, or isomers and mixtures thereof.
  • (i) is glycerol, and glycerol is present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 50 wt% to no more than about 90 wt%.
  • (i) is glycerol, present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 50 wt% to no more than about 90 wt% and the one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol comprises ethanol.
  • (i) in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition is glycerol or a combination of glycerol and triglycerol, wherein the combination has a parts by weight ratio of about 99:1 to about 50:50; wherein (i) is present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 55 wt% to no more than about 85 wt%; and wherein the one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol comprises ethanol.
  • (i) is glycerol, and glycerol is present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 55 wt% to no more than about 85 wt%.
  • (i) is glycerol, present in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition in an amount of at least about 55 wt% to no more than about 85 wt% and the one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol comprises ethanol.
  • the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) in the non ⁇ antimicrobial composition may be from about 2.5:1 to about 4:1, preferably from about 13:4 to about 4:1.
  • the substances of the present disclosure are non ⁇ antimicrobial.
  • the substances of the present disclosure do not comprise an antimicrobial agent.
  • the non ⁇ antimicrobial agent is not limited and includes silver compounds, hypochlorous acid, polyhexamethylene biguanide (also known as polyhexanide biguanide), chlorhexidine and salts thereof.
  • the generally accepted criterion for an non ⁇ antimicrobial cleanser solution is a 3 ⁇ log10 reduction in microbial cell number in a given contact time period.
  • the non ⁇ antimicrobial wound cleansing compositions described herein cause less than about a 3 ⁇ log10 reduction in the number of microbial cells in the wound when contacted with the wound for about 10 minutes.
  • the non ⁇ antimicrobial wound cleansing compositions described herein cause less than about a 2 ⁇ log10 reduction in the number of microbial cells in the wound when contacted with
  • the wound for about 10 minutes More preferably, the non ⁇ antimicrobial wound cleansing compositions described herein cause less than about a 1 ⁇ log10 reduction in the number of microbial cells in the wound when contacted with the wound for about 10 minutes.
  • the substances may be thickened with a thickening agent.
  • Exemplary thickening agents include gums, polysaccharides such as starch, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, gelatin, pectin, chitosan, alginate, clay, synthetic thickeners such as polyethylene glycols, poloxamers (as defined herein above), polyvinyl alcohol/acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylates, silicates/silica, carbomers. Any of the preceding forms may alternatively be prepared extemporaneously, e.g. by a clinician, healthcare practitioner, or pharmacist. In various embodiments, the substances may be supplied as a concentrate for dilution, e.g.
  • the substances of the present invention do not contain further components other than those already described above.
  • the substances are preferably supplied as a sterile solution, e.g. wherein such solutions are prepared from sterilised components in a sterile environment, or wherein the final solution is sterilised by methods commonly known in the art.
  • the substances of the present invention may comprise one or more additional components selected from preservatives, anti ⁇ oxidants, osmotic adjusters and surfactants.
  • Suitable preservatives are known in the art, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).
  • Preservatives may advantageously have a mild bacteriostatic effect in the wound.
  • Anti ⁇ oxidants are also well known and a person skilled in the art of the present invention will be able to select suitable anti ⁇ oxidants.
  • Anti ⁇ oxidants may advantageously aid preservation and reduce the prevalence of reactive oxygen species in the wound environment that are typically elevated in chronically inflamed wounds and associated with retarded healing.
  • Osmotic adjusters may be included in the solutions of the present invention to adjust the tonicity (ionic strength) of said substances. For example, pain can be minimised by the use of isotonic substances (i.e. having an osmolality similar to plasma). Plasma osmolality typically falls within 0.285 to 0.300 Osmol/kg.
  • hypotonic i.e. having an osmolality less than plasma
  • hypertonic i.e. having an osmolality greather than plasma
  • suitable osmotic adjusters may be advantageous to increase surfactancy potential.
  • the wound cleansing composition is an isotonic or hypertonic solution.
  • one or more surfactants in addition to those described above may be included, e.g. as “secondary surfactants” to boost the primary surfactant as described above.
  • secondary surfactants may be any of the surfactants described hereinabove, but do not include cationic surfactants.
  • the wound cleansing composition may have a surface tension of less than about 35 mN/m to facilitate loosening and cleansing.
  • one substance is applied to the absorbent layer.
  • multiple substances are applied to the absorbent layer.
  • the one or more substance(s) are applied to a single surface of the absorbent layer.
  • different substances are applied to different surfaces of the absorbent layer.
  • a combination of substances are applied to a single surface of the absorbent layer.
  • a combination of substances are applied to multiple surfaces of the absorbent layer.
  • the article is of a monolayer construction, i.e. the article consists of a single absorbent layer.
  • the article is of a multi ⁇ layer construction.
  • the article is of a multi ⁇ layer construction wherein the multilayer construction further comprises one or more functional layers, as described above.
  • the article comprises an outer cover layer, a support layer, a superabsorbent layer, a wound contacting layer and a transmission layer.
  • the article comprises an outer cover layer, a support layer, a superabsorbent layer, and a wound contacting layer.
  • the article comprises an outer cover layer and a wound contacting layer.
  • the one or more substance(s) transferred to the absorbent layer is at least partially impregnated within the absorbent layer.
  • the one or more substance(s) transferred to the absorbent layer is coated on or at least partially impregnated within the absorbent layer. In some embodiments, the one or more substance(s) transferred to the absorbent layer is at least partially impregnated within the absorbent layer. In some embodiments, the one or more substance(s) transferred to the absorbent layer is coated on the absorbent layer.
  • the wound dressings or debridement tools of the present disclosure are useful for the treatment of wounds, including initial treatment in first response settings, as well as in ongoing wound management such as in primary care settings.
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool described herein may be used in cleansing and/or irrigating a wound.
  • the use of the wound dressing or debridement tool as disclosed herein may prevent or minimise slough accumulation in a wound or to de ⁇ slough a wound, the use comprising contacting said wound dressing or debridement tool with said wound or contacting said wound with said wound dressing or debridement tool, preferably wherein the wound is a chronic wound, acute wound, or burn.
  • the wound is a chronic wound. In some embodiments the wound is a acute wound. In some embodiments the wound is a burn. EXAMPLES [0235] According to the present invention, the following methods can be used to determine the key characterising features and parameters: [0236] [Base Weight] Base weight can be calculated using the following formulae:
  • a compression load (a weight equivalent to 40 mmHg as commonly applied with a high compression bandage therapy) is applied evenly over the surface of the test sample.
  • Warmed hydrating fluid (Solution A at 37°C ⁇ 2°C) is added to the container at a volume such that the perforated plate is covered. Samples are then incubated for 24 hours at 20°C( ⁇ 2°C). After incubation, the hydrating fluid is drained off prior to removing the weights. Each sample is removed from the solution and the sample is weighed again [W2].
  • [0243] [Wet Tensile Strength] Wet tensile strength can be determined in accordance with the test method provided in ISO 9073 ⁇ 3:1989; Textiles – Test method for nonwovens – Part 3: Determination of tensile strength and elongation. [0244] [Dry tensile strength] Wet tensile strength can be determined in accordance with the test method provided in ISO 9073 ⁇ 3:1989; Textiles – Test method for nonwovens – Part 3: Determination of tensile strength and elongation. [0245] [Lap Draft] Lap Draft is defined as: Draft can be expressed as a ratio or percentage increase factor. [0246] [Needle Punch Density] Needle Punch density is defined as:
  • Example 1 – Textile Process The specification of the equipment that forms the process is as follows: Table 1 [0248] Fibre Feeder & Opener [0249] The staple fibre is manually deposited into a hopper, from which it is sheared and conveyed by an inclined spiked lattice infeed. At the top of the lattice infeed, a pair of levelling and back stripping rollers removes a consistent amount of fibre from the spiked lattice, while the remaining fibres return to the hopper based on the design of the equipment.
  • the fibre is conveyed by a flat belt into the opener, which is of single roll wired roll design.
  • the primary function of the opener is to perform a low level of fibre opening, which does not result in high levels of blending or mixing, as this was not part of the original equipment design scope.
  • the opened fibre is then transported via a fan through a fibre separation device, which effectively removes fine particulate matter, such as broken fibres.
  • Chute, Condenser & Weighing [0253]
  • the chute infeed is designed to ensure an even distribution of incoming fibres across the width of the condenser.
  • the condenser allows for the accumulation and condensing of opened fibres, resulting in a consistent density for discharge onto the weigh belt.
  • Fibre is dispensed from the condenser onto a belt weighed, which is used to precisely control the weight of fibre entering the card.
  • Card [0255] A fibre blend of the invention employs a single section and single cylinder arrangement card. At the card, fibres are fed by a "licker ⁇ in” on the main cylinder, and they are repeatedly “worked” off and “stripped” by alternately counter ⁇ rotating rollers dressed in toothed card wires onto the main cylinder until they reach the doffer. This process has the effect of opening the fibres further, but its primary purpose is to re ⁇ orient the fibres along the machine direction.
  • the resulting web is anisotropic in terms of tensile strength.
  • web drafting can partially re ⁇ orient fibres from the transverse direction to the machine direction by stretching the textile web, thereby reducing anisotropic tensile properties.
  • the level of draft can be adjusted to optimize tensile strength directionality ratios, textile thickness, and density. This process involves the stretching or drafting of the textile web, which allows for the partial re ⁇ orientation of fibres from the transverse direction to the machine direction.
  • Needle Loom [0263] At this point, the textile possesses moderate levels of tensile strength in the x and y directions, but very little in the z direction (between layers).
  • the needle loom process involves mechanical bonding, which interlocks fibres across multiple cross ⁇ lapped layers through the use of barbed needles, achieving a high degree of fibre entanglement.
  • Process parameters at the needle loom can be modified to influence the textile's tensile strength, thickness, and density.
  • Example 2.1 ⁇ Textile Trial 1 The 100gsm fabric is processed with Lap Drafter settings at 71% and Needle Punch Density (NPD) of 45/cm2. Textiled nonwoven fabrics at a heavier weight of 150gsm, with a blend of carboxymethylcellulose and modified cellulose (Lyocell) were trialled. The draft and needle punch density were varied to affect the physical properties of the textile fabric.
  • the nonwoven blended fabrics need to match the actual wet tensile strength of AQUACEL® Extra (2.4N/cm), which was only achieved by roll 19.
  • Absorbencies for all fabrics exceeded the AQUACEL® Extra specification of ⁇ 0.17g/cm2, and 16 also achieved the AQUACEL® Extra actual absorbency of 0.21g/cm2.
  • Example 3 – Comparative Testing vs AQUACEL® Extra A textile material according to the present invention (“TL5”) was prepared for comparative testing relative to a commercially available alternative (AQUACEL® Extra; Convatec Ltd).
  • the textile material of the invention comprised: ⁇ Carboxymethylcellulose (Hydrofiber) content: 75 wt%; Modified cellulose (Lyocell) content 25 wt% ⁇ Needle punch density: 50 punches/cm2
  • AQUACEL® Extra material of the invention comprised: ⁇ Carboxymethylcellulose (Hydrofiber) content: 100 wt% ⁇ Needle punch density: N/A ⁇ Basis Weight: 149gsm ⁇ Target Thickness: 2.03mm to produce a bulk density of 73kg/m 3 .
  • Fluid Absorbency & Retention [0281] Testing shows that AQUACEL® Extra has a fluid absorbency of 0.21 ⁇ 0.01 g/cm2 and a fluid retention of 78% (See Figure 4).
  • Improved absorbency under compression in comparison to AQUACEL® Extra has been attributed to the higher entanglement of the fibres due to the higher needle punch density used in the production process. Whilst decreased needle punch density allows for better absorption under a free swell environment, this is not necessarily the case under compression. At lower entanglement more fluid can be absorbed between the fibre structure, however it is the fluid immobilised within the fibres, that contributes to better performance within this test.
  • a wound dressing or debridement tool comprising an absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a non ⁇ woven fabric, the non ⁇ woven fabric comprising gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres, wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer. ).
  • non ⁇ gelling f ibres are selected from: cellulosic fibres, modified cellulosic fibres, polyester fibres, polypropylene fibres, polyamide fibres, or combinations thereof. ).
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool consists of one or more absorbent layers and one or more functional layers selected from: an outer cover layer, a transmission layer, an adhesive layer, a support layer, a distribution layer, a soluble medicated film layer, an odour ⁇ absorbing layer, a s preading layer, a keying layer, a superabsorbent layer or combinations thereof; preferably wherein the one or more further functional layers is selected from: a wound contacting layer, a transmission layer, an adhesive layer, a superabsorbent layer or combinations thereof. ).
  • the medicament comprises one or more agents selected from the group consisting of: antimicrobials, analgesics, coagulants, anti ⁇ inflammatories or a combination thereof. ).
  • the one or more substances comprises a wound cleansing or debridement composition; preferably wherein the composition comprises: (i). a chelating agent; (ii). an amphoteric surfactant; (iii). an anionic surfactant; and (iv). a thickening agent, wherein the thickening agent comprises at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof. ).
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool according to clauses 28 to 30, wherein the one or more substances comprises a non ⁇ antimicrobial composition, said composition comprising (i) g lycerol, triglycerol or a combination thereof, and (ii) one or more C1 ⁇ 4 alcohol, wherein the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) in the composition is from about 2:1 to about 5:1. ).
  • the wound dressing or debridement tool according to clauses 28 to 32 wherein the one or more substance is applied in the form of a solid, a gel, a wax, a liquid, a suspension, or an emulsion; preferably wherein the substance is applied in the form of a liquid. 34).
  • a process for preparing a wound dressing or debridement tool comprising an absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a non ⁇ woven fabric, the non ⁇ woven fabric comprising gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres, wherein the gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 60 to about 95 wt% of the absorbent layer and the non ⁇ gelling fibres are present in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 wt% of the absorbent layer; the process comprising the following steps: (a) opening and carding the gelling fibres and non ⁇ gelling fibres to provide a fibre web; (b) cross lapping and drafting the fibre web to provide a crossed fibre web; (c) needle punching the crossed fibre web. 2).
  • the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch density of about 25 to about 150 per cm 2 ; preferably wherein the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch density of about 30 to about 80 per cm 2 . 3).
  • the process according to clauses 1 and 2 wherein the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 1 mm to about 20mm; preferably wherein the absorbent layer(s) has a needle punch depth of about 5mm to about 10mm. 4).
  • the process according to clauses 1 to 3, wherein the drafting set value ratio (V) of the feeding and discharging of the web is at least about 30%; preferably wherein the drafting set value ratio (V) of the feeding and discharging of the web is at least about 40%. 5).
  • the process according to clauses 1 to 4, wherein the gelling fibres are selected from: carboxymethylcellulose fibres and derivatives thereof, modified cellulosic fibres, alkyl
  • non ⁇ gelling fibres are modified cellulosic fibres; preferably wherein the non ⁇ gelling fibres are lyocell fibres. ).
  • the process comprises process step (d) wherein the absorbent layer is adhered or affixed to one or more functional layers selected from: an outer cover layer, a transmission layer, an adhesive layer, a support layer, a distribution layer, a soluble medicated film layer, an odour ⁇ absorbing layer, a spreading layer, a keying layer, a superabsorbent layer or combinations thereof; preferably wherein the one or more further functional layers is selected from: a wound contacting layer, a transmission layer, an adhesive layer, a superabsorbent layer or combinations thereof. ).
  • the absorbent layer(s) consists of a non ⁇ woven fabric.
  • the one or more substances is selected from: a medicament, an adhesive, a deodorant, a chelating agent, a surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a thickening agent, an electrically conductive formulation, a t hermoresponsive agent, an exothermic agent, an endothermic agent, or a combination thereof.
  • the medicament comprises one or more agents selected from t he group consisting of: antimicrobials, analgesics, coagulants, anti ⁇ inflammatories or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more substances comprises a wound cleansing or debridement composition; preferably wherein the composition comprises: (i). a chelating agent; (ii). an amphoteric surfactant; (iii). an anionic surfactant; and (iv). a thickening agent, wherein the thickening agent comprises at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or salt thereof. ).
  • the one or more substances comprises a n on ⁇ antimicrobial composition, said composition comprising (i) glycerol, triglycerol or a combination thereof, and (ii) one or more C 1 ⁇ 4 alcohol, wherein the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) in the composition is from about 2:1 to about 5:1. ).
  • the one or more substance is applied in the f orm of a solid, a gel, a wax, a liquid, a suspension, or an emulsion; preferably wherein the substance is applied in the form of a liquid. ).
  • a wound dressing or debridement tool obtainable from the process according to clauses 1 to 33. ).
  • a wound dressing or debridement tool obtainable from the process according to clauses 1 to 33 to prevent or minimise slough accumulation in a wound or to de ⁇ slough a wound, the u se comprising contacting said wound dressing or debridement tool with said wound or contacting said wound with said wound dressing or debridement tool, preferably wherein the wound is a chronic wound, acute wound, or burn.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne de manière générale des compositions textiles, et plus particulièrement des compositions textiles non tissées destinées à être utilisées en tant que pansements ou moyens de débridement.
PCT/GB2025/050783 2024-04-12 2025-04-11 Composition textile non tissée Pending WO2025215378A1 (fr)

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Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5288814A (en) 1992-08-26 1994-02-22 The B. F. Goodrich Company Easy to disperse polycarboxylic acid thickeners
WO2000001425A1 (fr) 1998-07-01 2000-01-13 Acordis Speciality Fibres Limited Pansements et materiaux constitutifs adaptes
WO2005079718A1 (fr) * 2004-02-13 2005-09-01 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Pansement pour plaies a couches multiples
WO2012061225A2 (fr) 2010-11-01 2012-05-10 Becton, Dickinson And Company Essai de gardnerella vaginalis
US20160067107A1 (en) * 2013-04-08 2016-03-10 Brightwake Limited Absorbent wound dressings
US9440001B2 (en) * 2013-03-06 2016-09-13 Specialty Fibres and Materials Limited Absorbent materials
US10213343B2 (en) * 2013-12-03 2019-02-26 Foshan United Medical Technologies, Ltd. Three-layered wound dressing and method of manufacturing the same
CN113413267A (zh) * 2021-06-22 2021-09-21 元睦生物科技(上海)有限公司 一种高吸收性伤口敷料
WO2021186188A1 (fr) 2020-03-20 2021-09-23 Convatec Limited Composition de débridement
US20210393443A1 (en) * 2018-09-06 2021-12-23 Convatec Technologies Inc. Adaptable adhesive wound dressings

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5288814A (en) 1992-08-26 1994-02-22 The B. F. Goodrich Company Easy to disperse polycarboxylic acid thickeners
US5349030A (en) 1992-08-26 1994-09-20 The B. F. Goodrich Company Easy to disperse polycarboxylic acid thickeners
WO2000001425A1 (fr) 1998-07-01 2000-01-13 Acordis Speciality Fibres Limited Pansements et materiaux constitutifs adaptes
WO2005079718A1 (fr) * 2004-02-13 2005-09-01 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Pansement pour plaies a couches multiples
WO2012061225A2 (fr) 2010-11-01 2012-05-10 Becton, Dickinson And Company Essai de gardnerella vaginalis
US9440001B2 (en) * 2013-03-06 2016-09-13 Specialty Fibres and Materials Limited Absorbent materials
US20160067107A1 (en) * 2013-04-08 2016-03-10 Brightwake Limited Absorbent wound dressings
US10213343B2 (en) * 2013-12-03 2019-02-26 Foshan United Medical Technologies, Ltd. Three-layered wound dressing and method of manufacturing the same
US20210393443A1 (en) * 2018-09-06 2021-12-23 Convatec Technologies Inc. Adaptable adhesive wound dressings
WO2021186188A1 (fr) 2020-03-20 2021-09-23 Convatec Limited Composition de débridement
CN113413267A (zh) * 2021-06-22 2021-09-21 元睦生物科技(上海)有限公司 一种高吸收性伤口敷料

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