Search

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Since the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 became a pandemic, the number of cases has been continuously growing worldwide. Numerous recommendations and suggestions have been published to prevent the acquisition and spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2, especially to protect health workers and front‐line caregivers. SARS‐CoV‐2 is transmitted by aerosol, rendering air defense with suitable ventilation and adequate mask use pivotal. Recently, locally applied antiseptic, antiviral, or structure competitive receptor blockers were suggested to attack the virus at its main point of invasion, the nasal mucosa and nasopharynx. We discuss the most plausible and safe ideas to reduce viral load at the point of entry, and subsequently the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 to the lower respiratory tract, lungs, and other organs. In addition, we analyze the value and recommend clinical trials employing topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a substance well known from dermatologic and cosmetic procedures. It has been proven to successfully block the nasal entry for airborne allergens, preventing the development of allergic rhinitis and asthma, and to be curative for early stages of viral infections entering through the oral mucosa. For SARS‐CoV‐2, TCA in a single, short‐time application is expected to remodel the nasal and nasopharyngeal epithelia, eliminating both the receptors and cells responsible for viral entry and subsequent viral spread to the lower respiratory tract. Moreover, this may have therapeutic benefits for those recently infected by reducing local viral replication. Such procedures are cheap, safe, and can be conducted in almost every setting, especially in regions with inadequate financial and logistic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The devastating effects of the coronavirus designated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have merited many approaches to combat COVID-19. Since it is transmitted largely by fine droplets and aerosols, air defense with suitable ventilation and mask use might be enhanced by attacking the virus and its likely main point of invasion, the nasal mucosa. We recommend formal clinical trials employing topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which successfully blocks the nasal entry point for airborne allergens and to be curative for the early stages of viral infections of the oral mucosa. TCA chemically redesigns the nasal and nasopharyngeal epithelia to in effect remove receptors and cell, allowing SARS-CoV-2 viral attachment. TCA fits the ideal category for medication, being inexpensive, readily available, easy-to-use, and proven to be safe for suggested use. We postulate its potential efficacy in SARS-CoV-2 infection and urge consideration of clinical trials. Local delivery of TCA in the form of contact application directly to the nasal cavity may have a preventive effect, potentially neutralizing virus entry and subsequential virus spread to the lower respiratory tract, especially for those at high risk. In addition, TCA may diminish the local viral load and its replication potential in those newly infected.

Finding an ideal temporary wound dressing is challenging. Although TransCyte, built on Biobrane, offers many of the characteristics of the ideal wound dressing, and may have added benefits from the delivery of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and growth factors to the wound, the downside of high cost and less convenient storage and usage are considerable barriers to its broader adoption. The low cost and established clinical utility of Biobrane sets the bar high for new products.

Tissue-engineered biological dressings offer promise in the treatment of burns, chronic ulcers, donor site and other surgical wounds, and a variety of dermatologic conditions. Despite this promise, cellular tissue-engineered products such a Dermagraft and Apligraf have suffered setbacks in recent years with a lower market share than the commercial promoters of these products anticipated. AlloDerm acellular dermal matrix, an older technology than these cell-based products, has made strong progress in winning over clinicians in various disciplines. Similarly, Integra Bilayer Matrix Wound Dressing (BMWD) continues to gain acceptance beyond its original burn audience. A review on the products is offered.