Composition For Enzymatic Debridement

Abstract

Methods and compositions for the enzymatic debridement of wounds are provided. Methods for preparing enzymatic debridement compositions are also provided. In one embodiment, an enzymatic debridement composition prepared by dissolving crude bromelain in a composition comprising a weak acid, and filtering and/or dialyzing the dissolved crude bromelain to obtain the enzymatic debridement composition is provided.

1 .- 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method for debridement of devitalized tissue from a subject comprising:
 (a) contacting devitalized tissue with an enzymatic debridement composition according to  claim 21  to dissolve the devitalized tissue; and   (b) removing the dissolved devitalized tissue.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the enzymatic debridement composition was prepared by
 (a) dissolving crude bromelain in a composition comprising a weak acid;   (b) filtering the dissolved crude bromelain to obtain a filtered bromelain composition; and/or,   (c) dialyzing the filtered bromelain composition to obtain the enzymatic debridement composition.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the enzymatic debridement composition is in contact with the devitalized tissue for 1 to 48 hours before the dissolved devitalized tissue is removed. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein contacting the devitalized tissue is by coating the devitalized tissue with the enzymatic debridement composition or by injecting the enzymatic debridement composition into the devitalized tissue. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising covering the devitalized tissue with a wound dressing. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the wound dressing is gauze. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The enzymatic debridement composition of  claim 21 , wherein the enzymatic debridement composition is formulated as a gel, foam, or spray. 
     
     
         20 . The enzymatic debridement composition of  claim 19 , wherein the gel comprises 10% by weight of the enzymatic debridement composition. 
     
     
         21 . An enzymatic debridement composition comprising acid soluble components of crude bromelain having molecular weights greater than about 12,400 Daltons, and being substantially devoid of components of crude bromelain having molecular weights less than about 12,400 Daltons. 
     
     
         22 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the enzymatic debridement composition of  claim 21  and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 
     
     
         23 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 22 , wherein the enzymatic debridement composition is lyophilized. 
     
     
         24 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 22 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is a saline solution. 
     
     
         25 . A kit comprising the enzymatic debridement composition of  claim 21 . 
     
     
         26 . The kit of  claim 25 , wherein the enzymatic debridement composition is lyophilized. 
     
     
         27 . The kit of  claim 25 , further comprising a wound dressing.