Iranian Researchers Develop Wound Dressing from Amniotic Membrane

The substance produced from the caul are put on sterilized gauze bandage, which is then used as a biological dressing for acute and chronic skin injuries.

The amniotic membrane (also called caul) is the layer which encloses the fetus and is only a few milimetres thick.

Today, products taken from the amniotic membrane is globally used to cure a whole range of diseases and conditions. They are used for chronic and acute wounds, eye surgeries, cardiovascular surgeries, general surgeries, spinal cord treatment, orthopedic treatment, sports medicine, ear, nose and throat conditions, and dentistry.

This biological substance was discarded in the country before as biological waste. However, it has been quite some time that the product has been used in regenerative medicine in Iran.

The product is produced at the Royan Research Institute in the country, and some individuals need to donate the organ.

Those who are going to donate the amniotic membrane are selected from pregnant women visiting hospitals to undergo caesarean operation.

First, they take screening tests. After results of quality control tests on the process of producing the amniotic membrane are confirmed, the product is transferred to a special bank used to store samples and is distributed among users.

In Iran, four products are taken from this biological material. The most common product is called Amicare.

Amicare is a dried amnion which is spread on sterilized gauze bandage and used as a biological dressing for skin injuries such as burns as well as acute and chronic wounds which are difficult to treat.