Abstract: Wound-covering materials comprising two layers, a first support layer which is to be in contact with a wound and a second moisture permeation-controlling layer which may optionally contain an antimicrobial agent are taught. The support layer is formed from a biocompatible highly aqueous gel-forming substance, e.g., carboxymethylcelluloses, alginates, hyaluronates, poly(meth)acrylates, chitosan derivatives and chitin derivatives, and at least a portion of the support layer which is to be in contact with a wound is coated with a water-repellant substance, e.g., silicones, polyurethanes, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers and polytetrafluoroethylenes. The moisture permeation controlling layer may, e.g., be formed from steam permeable resin films made of silicone or polyurethane elastomers. The resultant wound-covering materials inhibit infection and pain, maintain adequate water retention, and do not produce bioincompatibility responses when applied to the site of wounds.

Abstract: Cell-penetrable medical material made of denatured collagen which is prepared by heating, in the presence of water is disclosed, the collagen having cross-linking structure. Artificial skin prepared by using this medical material as a wound-contacting layer (2) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell-penetrable medical material in which cells can invade, comprising denatured collagen with helix content of 0 to 80%, and carrier substance having higher resistance to enzyme decomposition than the denatured collagen. An artificial skin in which this medical material is used as the wound contact layer, and its preferred manufacturing methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical articles made of a resin composition comprising a polyvinyl chloride and a tetracarboxylic tetraester are provided. As examples of the tetracarboxylic tetraester are mentioned tetra(2-ethylhexyl) 3,3',4,4'-biphenylethertetracarboxylate, tetra(2-ethylhexyl) 3,3',4,4'-biphenylmethanetetracarboxylate, tetra(n-dodecyl) 2,3,3',4'-biphenyl-1,1-ethanetetracarboxylate, tetra(2-ethylhexyl) 3,3',4,4'-biphenyl-2,2-propanetetracarboxylate and the like. The tetracarboxylic tetraester is incorporated in an amount from 20 to 120, preferably from 30 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polyvinyl chloride. As dissolution and migration to the surface of the article of the plasticizer tetracarboxylic tetraester are low in the medical articles, said medical articles produce no adverse effects upon body fluids such as blood when contacted. Examples of preferred medical articles are blood preservation vessels, catheters and blood transfusion sets.