Green Papaya-based Hydrogel Dressing for Debridement of Late-stage Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Grenada

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers affect 15-25% of diabetic patients during their lifetime. In Grenada, where diabetes prevalence reaches 12-20% of adults, approximately 80% of patients present with advanced Wagner Grade 3-4 ulcers requiring surgical debridement. Current treatment costs of $50-150 per week are prohibitive against a gross national income of $9,800 per capita. While basic dressings and limited wound VAC devices are available, there is an unmet need for accessible enzymatic debridement solutions suited to resource-limited settings.

WoundWorks Bio is developing a papaya latex-based hydrogel using locally available agricultural resources. The design prioritizes three specifications: enzymatic debridement achieving ≥20% surface area reduction within one week, 48-hour reapplication intervals compatible with rural clinic schedules, and cost ≤$10 per dressing. The formulation combines concentrated papaya latex enzymes with a dual-molecular-weight PEG hydrogel and urea. PEG 400 facilitates enzyme penetration into necrotic tissue while PEG 3350 maintains structural integrity with 800-600% swelling capacity for exudate management.

Modeling demonstrates papain diffusion reaches steady-state concentration within 3 hours at levels exceeding 100 times the minimum effective concentration. The 48-hour reapplication protocol maintains therapeutic enzyme levels (38-day shelf-life at 5°C) while preventing biofilm formation through sustained antimicrobial activity. Biocompatibility targets include ≥90% cell viability and minimal skin irritation, with wound closure anticipated within 45 days. Manufacturing involves local papaya latex extraction with controlled thermal drying at 50-55°C, achieving 80-90% cost reduction.

Video