Innovative Applications and Challenges of Emerging Materials and Technologies in Burn Treatment

A special issue of European Burn Journal (ISSN 2673-1991).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 3034

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Burn Center, Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
2. Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery, Uppsala University, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
Interests: burn care; wound care; tissue engineering; cell and tissue banking; skin substitutes; mass (burn) casualty incidents; clinical trials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The treatment of burn injuries and other trauma and disease-related conditions involving skin losses (e.g., Stevens-Johnson/toxic epidermal necrolysis, necrotizing fasciitis, etc.) is a critical aspect of healthcare, affecting millions of individuals each year. As research and technology advance, the emergence of new materials and innovative techniques and technologies is transforming the care, aiming at enhanced healing, reduced scarring, and improved patient outcomes. Novel biomaterials, advanced technologies, tissue engineering, computer science, and more are being developed and could be used with the goal of optimizing the care of conditions with skin losses. This rapid development presents unique opportunities but also bring about complex challenges in, e.g., legal and ethical areas.

We invite researchers, clinicians, and experts in any field (e.g., materials science, computer science, cell biology, legal, ethical, healthcare, etc.) to contribute original research, reviews, and case studies for our upcoming Special Issue focused on "Innovative applications and challenges of emerging materials and technologies in burn treatment”. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements, coming technology, and challenges to foster collaboration among professionals working to improve the standards of burn care and other related conditions.

Call for Submissions:

Submissions should adhere to the guidelines outlined on our publication’s website. All papers will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the highest quality of published research. This is an opportunity to contribute to a vital area of study that affects millions of people worldwide and to be part of a growing community dedicated to improving the quality of care for burns and related conditions.

Dr. Fredrik Huss
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. European Burn Journal is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 971 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • burn injuries
  • skin loss
  • Stevens-Johnson
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • necrotizing fasciitis
  • wound healing
  • scars
  • GDPR
  • legal
  • ethical
  • AI
  • PROM
  • PREM
  • digitalization
  • intensive care

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 6197 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Study on the Development of a Real-Time Pressure-Monitoring Facial Mask for Burn Rehabilitation
by Hyunjun Shin, Gyung-Jin Jeon, Seok-Jin Hwang, Hyeonseok Cho, Young-Min Cho, Hyoung-Soon Youn, Jisu Seo, Sehoon Park, Yoon-Soo Cho and Gyu-Seok Kim
Eur. Burn J. 2025, 6(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj6010012 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 180
Abstract
The most common aftereffect of severe burns in patients is hypertrophic scarring. Hypertrophic scars typically form following severe burns; it refers to excessive collagen production in the dermal layer during the healing process, resulting in an abnormal raised scar. Currently, practical treatments for [...] Read more.
The most common aftereffect of severe burns in patients is hypertrophic scarring. Hypertrophic scars typically form following severe burns; it refers to excessive collagen production in the dermal layer during the healing process, resulting in an abnormal raised scar. Currently, practical treatments for suppressing hypertrophic scars include laser therapy, pressure therapy, and the application of silicone sheets for moisture retention. The most extensively used treatment involves compression therapy using specially designed garments for the affected areas. However, this method has limitations when applied to curved surfaces like the face. To address this issue, three-dimensional (3D) scanning and 3D printing techniques have been actively developed for face masks and have shown promising clinical results. Unfortunately, current facial masks under development lack a sensor system to measure pressure, making it difficult to ensure consistent and appropriate pressures during clinical trials. In this study, we have developed a burn pressure mask capable of real-time pressure monitoring. The facial mask developed in this study utilizes an FSR-type sensor to measure the pressure applied to the skin. We have also embedded electrical wires within the mask to enhance its comfort and wearability. For this study, two patients wore the facial mask with real-time pressure measurement capabilities for 4 weeks in 12 h per day on average. We evaluated whether the mask maintained the appropriate pressure range (15–25 mmHg) throughout the clinical trial and whether it effectively inhibited scar formation. Through the analysis of recorded pressure signal data, we confirmed that the patients consistently maintained the appropriate pressure while wearing the mask during the clinical trial. Additionally, we observed significant differences in skin moisture levels, transepidermal water loss, and scar thickness before and after the experiment. These findings suggest that the facial mask, featuring real-time monitoring capabilities, effectively prevents the formation of hypertrophic scars. Full article
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13 pages, 3045 KiB  
Article
Burn Wound Dynamics Measured with Hyperspectral Imaging
by Thomas Wild, Jörg Marotz, Ahmed Aljowder and Frank Siemers
Eur. Burn J. 2025, 6(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj6010007 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) combined with an augmented model-based data processing enables the measurement of the depth-resolved perfusion of burn wounds. With these methods, the fundamental problem of the wound dynamics (wound conversion or progression) in the first 4 days should be parametrically [...] Read more.
Introduction: Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) combined with an augmented model-based data processing enables the measurement of the depth-resolved perfusion of burn wounds. With these methods, the fundamental problem of the wound dynamics (wound conversion or progression) in the first 4 days should be parametrically analyzed and evaluated. Material and Methods: From a cohort of 59 patients with burn injuries requiring medical intervention, 281 homogenous wound segments were selected and subjected to clinical classification based on the duration of healing. The classification was retrospectively assigned to each segment during the period from day 0 to day 2 post-burn. The perfusion parameters were presented in two parameter spaces describing the upper and deeper perfusion. Results: The investigation of value distributions within the parameter spaces pertaining to four distinct categories of damage from superficial dermal to full-thickness burns during the initial four days reveals the inherent variability and distinct patterns associated with wound progression, depending on the severity of damage. The analysis highlights the challenges associated with estimating the burn degrees during this early stage and elucidates the significance of deeper tissue perfusion in the classification process, which cannot be discerned through visual inspections. Conclusions: The feasibility of early classification on day 0 or 1 was assessed, and the findings indicate a restricted level of reliability, particularly on day 0, primarily due to the substantial variability observed in wound characteristics and inherent dynamics. Full article
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Review

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11 pages, 1633 KiB  
Review
Novel Techniques in Fractional Skin Replacement
by Courtney Kelly, Rodney K. Chan and Anders H. Carlsson
Eur. Burn J. 2025, 6(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj6010013 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 86
Abstract
The gold standards for coverage of wounds that cannot be primarily closed are full thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and split thickness skins graft (STSGs). FTSGs harvest sites generally require primary closure, which limits availability, especially when treating larger wounds. STSGs have many shortcomings, [...] Read more.
The gold standards for coverage of wounds that cannot be primarily closed are full thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and split thickness skins graft (STSGs). FTSGs harvest sites generally require primary closure, which limits availability, especially when treating larger wounds. STSGs have many shortcomings, including donor site morbidity. Fractional autologous skin replacement can be utilized in conjunction with or in lieu of STSGs to both improve graft outcomes of large wounds and to decrease donor site morbidity. Skin can be mechanically or chemically fractionated. Fractionated skin can be advantageous, as adnexal structures provide additional functionality without donor site morbidity. In this review, we will discuss current and emerging techniques in fractional skin replacement. Full article
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20 pages, 1425 KiB  
Review
Efficacy of Dialkylcarbamoylchloride (DACC)-Impregnated Dressings in Surgical Wound Management: A Review
by Madhan Jeyaraman, Naveen Jeyaraman, Swaminathan Ramasubramanian, Arulkumar Nallakumarasamy, Shrideavi Murugan, Tarun Jayakumar and Sathish Muthu
Eur. Burn J. 2025, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj6010001 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 765
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant challenge in postoperative care, leading to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. Traditional antimicrobial dressings, such as those containing silver or iodine, have limitations, including cytotoxicity and the potential for antimicrobial resistance. Dialkylcarbamoyl [...] Read more.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant challenge in postoperative care, leading to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. Traditional antimicrobial dressings, such as those containing silver or iodine, have limitations, including cytotoxicity and the potential for antimicrobial resistance. Dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC)-impregnated dressings offer a novel approach, employing a physical mechanism to bind and remove bacteria without the use of chemical agents, thereby reducing the risk of resistance. This review summarizes current evidence on the efficacy of DACC dressings in preventing SSIs and promoting wound healing. Findings from multiple studies indicate that DACC dressings reduce bacterial burden and SSI rates across various surgical procedures, including cesarean sections and vascular surgeries. Additionally, DACC dressings demonstrate potential in managing hard-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, by reducing bacterial load and biofilm formation. Furthermore, they present advantages in antimicrobial stewardship and cost-effectiveness by minimizing the need for antibiotics and decreasing overall healthcare expenses. However, the current literature is limited by small sample sizes, methodological weaknesses, heterogeneity in study designs, and a lack of long-term data. Future research should focus on high-quality randomized controlled trials across diverse surgical populations, comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses, and long-term outcomes to establish the full clinical impact of DACC dressings. With further validation, DACC-impregnated dressings could become a critical tool in sustainable postoperative wound care. Full article
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16 pages, 2217 KiB  
Review
Bromelain in Burn Care: Advancements in Enzymatic Debridement and Patient Outcomes
by Eliza-Maria Bordeanu-Diaconescu, Sabina Grama, Andreea Grosu-Bularda, Adrian Frunza, Mihaela-Cristina Andrei, Tiberiu-Paul Neagu and Ioan Lascar
Eur. Burn J. 2024, 5(4), 438-453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj5040039 - 12 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1088
Abstract
The management of severe burns is a complex process that requires a multidimensional approach to ensure optimal healing of burn wounds, minimize complications, and improve the prognosis of patients. Surgical debridement is considered the gold standard for removing necrotic tissue; however, this approach [...] Read more.
The management of severe burns is a complex process that requires a multidimensional approach to ensure optimal healing of burn wounds, minimize complications, and improve the prognosis of patients. Surgical debridement is considered the gold standard for removing necrotic tissue; however, this approach involves risks such as bleeding, the potential removal of viable tissue during excision, and technical challenges in complex anatomical areas. Recent advancements highlight the role of enzymatic debridement using NexoBrid®, which offers a less invasive alternative to surgical excision while having the ability to selectively debride necrotic tissue and preserve viable tissue. NexoBrid® has shown efficacy in reducing debridement time, minimizing the need for additional surgeries, and improving overall wound healing outcomes. This review discusses the clinical indications, advantages, and considerations for choosing between surgical and enzymatic debridement. Emerging studies suggest the potential for enzymatic debridement to be safe and effective even for larger burn areas, making it a promising option in modern burn care. However, ongoing evaluation and integration into clinical protocols will be essential to fully realize its benefits in specialized burn treatment and to establish protocols. Full article
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