amnion

Amnion is a biological wound dressing derived from the innermost layer of the human placenta, developed and standardized by researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. It is primarily used for the treatment of partial-thickness (second-degree) burns, particularly in pediatric facial cases. The tissue functions as a temporary biological cover that provides a vapor barrier, reduces pain, and accelerates re-epithelialization without eliciting host rejection due to its immunologically privileged status. It contains a rich matrix of collagen, cytokines, and growth factors, and may also harbor stem cells that facilitate the healing process. UTMB research focused on optimizing procurement and processing methods (such as Trypsin-EDTA or Dispase II treatment) to enhance its clinical utility compared to standard topical antimicrobials.

Other names

human amniotic membraneamnion biological dressingprocessed amnion