Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Biologic Grafts in Chronic Wounds

Introduction

Chronic wounds often fail to heal due to persistent inflammation. Unlike the acute inflammatory phase that initiates normal wound healing, prolonged or dysregulated inflammation impairs tissue repair, degrades the extracellular matrix, and leads to a stalled healing cascade. Biologic grafts derived from human or animal tissue may contain intrinsic anti-inflammatory components that help modulate this wound environment.

This article explores how anti-inflammatory characteristics of biologic grafts contribute to chronic wound care and what patients can expect during their use.

Understanding Chronic Inflammation in Wounds

In a healthy wound healing process, inflammation is self-limiting and transitions into tissue regeneration. In chronic wounds, however, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1 and TNF-alpha), oxidative stress, and persistent neutrophil activity disrupt this progression.

• Continuous tissue degradation
• Excessive matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity
• Impaired angiogenesis and re-epithelialization

Reducing inflammation is essential to reset the wound and allow healing to proceed¹.

How Biologic Grafts Help Modulate Inflammation

Biologic grafts, particularly those derived from placental tissue or dermal matrices, may contain anti-inflammatory molecules naturally present in their source tissue. These include:

The combination of structural and biochemical support enables biologic grafts to shift the wound from a pro-inflammatory state toward one conducive to healing^2,3.

Types of Biologic Grafts with Anti-Inflammatory Features

Several categories of biologic grafts have been observed to retain anti-inflammatory profiles:

These grafts are minimally manipulated to preserve native molecules and are applied under FDA regulation for homologous use (21 CFR Part 1271).

What Patients Can Expect

Application of a biologic graft is a straightforward, outpatient procedure:

1. Wound preparation: The area is cleaned and may be debrided.
2. Graft placement: The biologic material is trimmed to the wound shape and applied directly.
3. Dressing and follow-up: A secondary dressing is placed, and reapplication may occur weekly.

Patients generally experience minimal discomfort and are monitored for signs of wound progression and infection.

Summary for Patients

Anti-inflammatory properties of biologic grafts play a key role in managing chronic wounds that are stuck in an inflammatory cycle. By delivering structural support and naturally derived regulatory molecules, these products help reset the healing environment.

Patients should understand that biologic grafts are one part of a broader wound care plan. Consistent follow-up and adherence to provider instructions remain essential to successful wound management.

References

1. Guo S, Dipietro LA. Factors affecting wound healing. J Dent Res. 2010;89(3):219–229.
2. Koob TJ, Lim JJ, Massee M, Zabek N, Denoziere G. Properties of dehydrated human amnion/chorion composite grafts: implications for wound repair and soft tissue regeneration. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2014;102(6):1353–1362.
3. Litwiniuk M, Grzela T. Hyaluronic acid in inflammation and tissue regeneration. Wounds. 2014;26(3):77–83.