Silica fiber compositions and methods of use

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include silica fiber compositions useful for treatment of animal wounds and tissue, as well as for other applications in industry. The fiber compositions may be formed via electrospinning of a sol gel produced with a silicon alkoxide reagent, such as tetraethyl ortho silicate, alcohol solvent, and an acid catalyst.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for improving integrity of injured tissue in a subject, the method comprising applying a silica fiber composition to said tissue without removing the silica fiber composition from said tissue during and after healing of said tissue. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the silica fiber composition is a permanent scaffold that supports tissue healing, regeneration, and/or integrity. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition acts as a collagen replacement, and/or cell scaffold for wound healing. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is prepared by electrospinning a sol-gel. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sol-gel is prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sol-gel contains 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the sol-gel is allowed to transition for at least 2 days under conditions where humidity is within the range of about 40% to about 80%, and the temperature is within the range of 50° F. to 90° F. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sol-gel is electrospun when the weight is at from 20% to 40% of the starting weight before ripening. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sol-gel is electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor is 10% to 20% relative to the peak production of ethylene vapors during ripening. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein fibers of the silica fiber composition have a variable diameter of from about 50 nm to about 5 μm. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition consists essentially of SiO 2 . 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber composition is applied to the tissue as a thin layer. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber composition is processed into a powder or dust, and the powder or dust is applied to the tissue. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the powder or dust is mixed or suspended in a topical composition. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the topical composition is a lotion, ointment, paste, cream, foam, or gel. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the topical composition further comprises one or more pharmaceutical or antimicrobial agents. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising reapplying the silica fiber composition to the injured tissue once the silica fiber composition is no longer visible on the injured tissue. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the injured tissue is not covered with any other wound dressing. 
     
     
         20 .- 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the topical composition comprises an antibiotic or antiseptic. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the topical composition comprises an anti-inflammatory agent or immunosuppressant. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition prevents or reduces scarring of the tissue. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is a mammal. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the subject is a human patient. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the subject is a cat, dog, or horse. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tissue comprises skin. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to a skin lesion, ulcer, wound, burn, cut, scrape, or blister. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to a diabetic ulcer. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject has a genetic blistering disease. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the subject has epidermolysis bullosa. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to a pressure sore or pressure ulcer. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to a gangrenous wound or an amputation wound. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tissue has a wound comprising a skin burn, cut, or scrape, and the composition is applied in layers in an amount that is sufficient to cover the wound. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising reapplying the silica fiber composition to the injured tissue once the silica fiber composition is no longer visible on the injured tissue. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying a wound dressing over the composition.