Definition

NOSF (Nano-OligoSaccharide Factor) is a compound with a chemical structure derived from the oligosaccharide family, known to have antiproteinase properties.
Combined with the other ingredients in the TLC layer, NOSF preferentially binds to the damaged zones, exerting its anti-metalloproteinase activity.
In the micro-environment of leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, TLC-NOSF corrects metabolic imbalances by limiting the detrimental effect of MMPs on the protein degradation of Extracellular Matrix components, thereby promoting the action of growth factors on the synthesis of new scar tissue (1).

 

Mechanism of action

1. Regulation of the action of Matrix Metalloproteinases

The efficacy of NOSF is optimised by the TLC-Contact layer, enabling it to preferentially bind to the damaged zones following gelling on contact with the wound exudate. As a result of the formation of this gel, the TLC-Contact-NOSF layer absorbs the Matrix Metalloproteinases, removing them from the wound bed and therefore restoring the balance of the wound by limiting their detrimental action.

 

 

 

2. Stimulation of dermal reconstruction

Regulation of the proteolytic activity against the ExtraCellular Matrix (ECM) components restores the metabolic balance within the wound and promotes the action of growth factors. Mobilisation / multiplication of dermal fibroblasts is possible again, accompanied by re-triggering of their activity in terms of synthesis of the new matrix ingredients required to start dermal granulation.

 

 

 

In vitro study

Proliferation of fibroblasts

Materials and methods
Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) are cultivated in DMEM (Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium) spiked with 10% foetal calf serum. Pieces of dressing, cut to the size of the culture wells, are then applied to the cell layers for 24 and 48 hours. Cell proliferation is measured by incorporation of tritiated thymidine.

Conclusion :
The UrgoCell® START Contact dressing significantly stimulates human fibroblast proliferation after 24h and 48h.

Effect on regulation of MMP activity and levels in the wound

Materials and methods
The overall activity of MMPs was measured in the normal human dermis fibroblast culture after incubation for 24 hours. The quantity of MMP1 was measured in macrophage cultures (human cell lines of U937 differentiated macrophages) by ELISA (Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay).

The TLC-Contact-NOSF dressing inhibits MMPs total activity.
The TLC-Contact-NOSF reduces the level of MMP1 in the wound.

Conclusion
The UrgoCell® START Contact dressing, which contains NOSF, inhibits overall MMP activity. It also induces a reduction in the level of MMP1 present in the culture medium. These activities on MMPs are equivalent to that of TLC-NOSFtechnology.

 

The action of NOSF

 

(1)M. Bernard, Société BioAlternatives.
Effet in vitro d’un nouvel inhibiteur de métalloprotéases,
communication orale au Congrès des Plaies et Cicatrisations 2008, Paris