Patent Publication Number: US-2022226536-A1

Title: Wound contact layer and dressing for iodine delivery

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.K. Provisional Application No. 1918802.8, filed Dec. 19, 2019, titled “WOUND CONTACT LAYER AND DRESSING FOR IODINE DELIVERY,” and U.K. Provisional Application No. 1901476.0, filed Feb. 4, 2019, titled WOUND CONTACT LAYER AND DRESSING FOR IODINE DELIVERY,” the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The application discloses materials, devices, methods and systems, such as therapeutic compositions, wound care materials, their uses and methods of treatment therewith. In some embodiments, the materials, devices and systems comprise a wound contact layer and/or wound dressing configured for antimicrobial delivery. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Molecular iodine is active against bacteria, fungi and viruses, rapidly penetrating microorganisms, damaging proteins, nucleotides and fatty acids, leading to cell death. Consequently, iodine has been incorporated into numerous patient products, for example Iodosorb Cadexomer Iodine gel by Smith &amp; Nephew. 
     Increasingly there is a need for improved mechanisms of delivering an effective dose of iodine or other antimicrobials to a wound. Of particular interest are mechanisms of delivering iodine in combination with use of a wound dressing, particularly a negative pressure wound dressing and/or while under negative pressure wound therapy. 
     Therefore, improved methods and techniques for delivering iodine or other antimicrobials to wounds are needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to materials, devices, methods, and systems for wound treatment. Some disclosed embodiments relate to materials, devices, methods, and systems for delivering iodine or other antimicrobials to a wound. It will be understood by one of skill in the art that application of the materials, devices, methods, and systems described herein are not limited to a particular tissue or a particular injury. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a therapeutic composition. The therapeutic composition may comprise an elastomeric composition, such as rubber, and a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles. The fluid-absorbent particles may comprise a crosslinked polymer and a therapeutic agent. The fluid-absorbent particles can be configured to swell upon contact with fluid. The therapeutic composition may further comprise a hydrophilic polymer. 
     In some embodiments, a therapeutic composition is disclosed that comprises an elastomeric composition, a hydrophilic polymer, and a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles. The elastomeric composition may comprise between about 10% and about 90%, preferably between about 30% and about 70% by weight of the composition. The elastomeric composition may comprise one or more silicones. The one or more silicones may comprise a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. The RTV silicone may comprise an addition curing RTV silicone, made from a mixture of at least one composition base and at least one curing agent. The hydrophilic polymer may comprise a polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG may comprise an average weight in the range from about 200 to about 1,000 g/mole. The PEG may comprise 20% or less by weight of the composition. The fluid-absorbent particles may comprise spherical beads. The fluid-absorbent particles may comprise a diameter less than 1 mm, preferably between 100 and 800 μm. The fluid-absorbent particles may comprise a crosslinked polymer. The crosslinked polymer may comprise a crosslinked polysaccharide. The fluid-absorbent particles may comprise between about 30% and about 90%, preferably between about 50% and about 60%, by weight of the composition. Alternatively, the fluid-absorbent particles may comprise preferably between about 50% and about 63% by volume of the composition. 
     The therapeutic composition of the preceding paragraph may comprise fluid-absorbent particles that further comprise a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent may comprise an iodine-based antimicrobial agent. The fluid-absorbent particles may comprise cadexomer iodine. The iodine-based antimicrobial agent may comprise between 0.1% and 5%, or between 1% and 2%, or preferably less than 2%, by weight of the fluid-absorbent particles. The iodine-based antimicrobial agent may further comprise extractable iodine. The extractable iodine may comprise at least about 0.1%, or at least about 0.5%, or preferably at least about 1%, by weight of the fluid-absorbent particles. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a wound contact layer. The wound contact layer can be made from a therapeutic composition as described above or described elsewhere herein. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a wound dressing. The wound dressing may comprise a layer made from a therapeutic composition as described above or described elsewhere herein. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a multi-care wound contact layer. The multi-care wound contact layer may comprise a flexible, biocompatible layer having an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness therebetween and an array of holes extending at least partially through the thickness. The flexible, biocompatible layer may comprise an elastomeric composition. The flexible, biocompatible layer may further comprise a hydrophilic polymer. A plurality of fluid-absorbent particles may be embedded in the flexible, biocompatible layer that are configured to swell upon contact with fluid. Each of the fluid-absorbent particles may comprise a crosslinked polymer and a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent may comprise an iodine-based antimicrobial agent. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer is disclosed that comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer, comprising an elastomeric composition. The multi-care wound contact layer may comprise, by weight: 10-90% elastomeric composition; and 10-90% fluid-absorbent particles. The fluid-absorbent particles may each comprise between 0.1% and 5%, or between 1% and 2%, or preferably less than 2% by weight iodine-based antimicrobial agent. The elastomeric composition may comprise one or more silicones. The one or more silicones may comprise, for example, Silpuran or Elastosil. 
     In some embodiments, the multi-care wound contact layer of the preceding paragraph comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer that further comprises a hydrophilic polymer. The multi-care wound contact layer may comprise, by weight: 10-90%, preferably 30-70% elastomeric composition; 1-20% hydrophilic polymer; and 30-90%, preferably 50-60% fluid-absorbent particles. The fluid-absorbent particles may each comprise between 0.1% and 5%, or between 1% and 2%, or preferably less than 2% by weight iodine-based antimicrobial agent. The elastomeric composition may comprise one or more silicones. The hydrophilic polymer may comprise polyethylene glycol (PEG). Further, the one or more silicones may comprise Silpuran or Elastosil and the PEG may comprise PEG-400. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer is disclosed that comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer having an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness therebetween and an array of holes extending at least partially through the thickness. The array of holes may comprise a shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal and any other polygonal shape. The holes can be sized at least 0.5 mm, preferably, between 0.5 to 3.5 mm, or between 1 to 3 mm. The space between two adjacent holes can be in the range between 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably, between 0.5 to 3.5 mm, or between 1 to 3 mm. The thickness of the multi-care wound contact layer can be in the range of 1 to 10 mm, or 1 to 7 mm, or preferably 1.5 to 7 mm, or 1.5 to 4 mm, or 2 to 3 mm, or approximately 2 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the multi-care wound contact layer of the preceding paragraph comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer that has an array of square holes. The square holes can be sized between 1 to 3 mm, and the space between two adjacent square holes can be between 1 to 3 mm. In other embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer is disclosed that comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer having an array of circular holes. The circular holes can be sized between 1 to 3 mm, and the space between two adjacent circular holes can be between 1 to 3 mm. In yet other embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer is disclosed that comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer having an array of hexagonal holes. The hexagonal holes can be sized between 1 to 3 mm, and the space between two adjacent hexagonal holes can be between 1 to 3 mm. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer is disclosed that comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer having an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness therebetween and an array of holes extending at least partially through the thickness. The holes are substantially the same size and shape on each side of the multi-care wound contact layer. In some other embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer is disclosed. The holes on each side of the multi-care wound contact layer may have different sizes or/and shapes. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer is disclosed that comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer having an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness there between and a plurality of openings extending at least partially through the thickness, the layer comprising an elastomeric composition and a hydrophilic polymer; and a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles embedded in the flexible, biocompatible layer that are configured to swell upon contact with fluid, each of the fluid-absorbent particles comprising a crosslinked polymer and an iodine-based antimicrobial agent. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of openings may comprise a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings, wherein the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings have different sizes. The plurality of openings may comprise a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings, wherein the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings have different shapes. The plurality of openings comprise a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings, wherein the first plurality of perforations and the second plurality of perforations have different orientations. At least one of the openings may have an alphabetic shape. At least one of the openings have an arc shape. The flexible, biocompatible layer may have substantially square shape. The flexible, biocompatible layer may have substantially circular shape. The plurality of openings may be distributed along concentric circles around a center of the flexible, biocompatible layer. The plurality of openings may be evenly distributed across the flexible, biocompatible layer. The plurality of openings may comprise a plurality of clusters where the openings are concentrated. The flexible, biocompatible layer may further comprise a plurality of raised structures, wherein each of the raised structures comprise one or more walls surrounding one of the plurality of openings. 
     Any one of the multi-care wound contact layers disclosed above or disclosed elsewhere herein can include one or more of the following features: The elastomeric composition is configured to provide tactile softness and/or contour conformity to a wound surface. The elastomeric composition is configured to allow one-piece application and/or removal of the multi-care wound contact layer. The elastomeric composition is configured to provide structural integrity and/or prevent shedding of the embedded fluid-absorbent particles. The hydrophilic polymer is provided in an amount effective to allow rapid ingress of exudate fluid and/or egress of antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent is loaded in an amount effective to provide both rapid and sustained activity in vitro. The antimicrobial agent is loaded in an amount effective to provide a broad-spectrum kill in vitro against microorganisms, including one or more of the following: Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and yeast. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a wound dressing. The wound dressing may comprise: a multi-care wound contact layer as described above or described elsewhere herein; a transmission layer and/or absorbent layer over the multi-care wound contact layer; and a cover layer over the transmission layer and/or absorbent layer. The wound dressing may further comprise an adhesive layer on the lower surface of the multi-care wound contact layer. The wound dressing may further comprise a negative pressure port positioned on or above the cover layer. The multi-care wound contact layer may have a perimeter shape that is substantially the same as a perimeter shape of the cover layer. Alternatively, the multi-care wound contact layer may have a perimeter shape that is smaller than a perimeter shape of the cover layer. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a wound treatment system. The wound treatment system may comprise a wound contact layer comprising a multi-care wound contact layer as described above or described elsewhere herein, the multi-care wound contact layer configured to be sized for positioning over a wound; and a secondary wound dressing configured to be positioned over the wound contact layer. The secondary wound dressing can be configured to form a seal to skin surrounding the wound. The wound treatment system may further comprise a source of negative pressure configured to supply negative pressure through the secondary wound dressing and through the multi-care wound contact layer to the wound. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a method of treating a wound. The method of treating a wound may comprise: positioning a wound contact layer in contact with the wound, the wound contact layer comprising: a flexible, biocompatible layer having an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness there between and an array of holes extending at least partially through the thickness, the layer comprising an elastomeric composition and a hydrophilic polymer; and a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles embedded in the flexible, biocompatible layer that are configured to swell upon contact with fluid, each of the fluid-absorbent particles comprising a crosslinked polymer and an iodine-based antimicrobial agent; and releasing the iodine-based antimicrobial agent upon the plurality of fluid-absorbent particles coming into contact with fluid from the wound. 
     The method of treating a wound of the preceding paragraph may further comprise sizing the wound contact layer to a size of the wound before positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the wound. Sizing the wound contact layer may comprise cutting the wound contact layer to match the size of the wound. The wound contact layer can be positioned in contact with the wound with an adhesive adhered to the lower surface of the wound contact layer. 
     In some embodiments, the method of treating a wound as described above or described elsewhere herein may further comprise, after positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the wound, separately positioning a secondary wound dressing over the wound contact layer and adhering the secondary wound dressing to skin surrounding the wound. Alternatively, the wound contact layer can be integrated into a wound dressing comprising a transmission layer and/or absorbent layer over the multi-care wound contact layer and a cover layer over the transmission layer and/or absorbent layer. The wound contact layer may have a perimeter shape that is substantially the same as or, alternatively, smaller than a perimeter shape of the cover layer. 
     In some embodiments, the method of treating a wound as described above or described elsewhere herein may further comprise delivering negative pressure through the wound contact layer to the wound. The wound contact layer may substantially maintain the negative pressure delivered for at least 24 hours. Alternatively, the method of treating a wound may comprise applying compression (positive) pressure through the wound contact layer to the wound. Alternatively, the method of treating a wound may comprise altering ambient pressure, negative pressure and compression pressure in a programmable manner through the wound contact layer to the wound. 
     In some embodiments, the method of treating a wound as described above or described elsewhere herein may, for example, reduce the wound bioburden after positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the wound. 
     Alternative or additional embodiments described herein provide a composition comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description or of any description elsewhere herein. 
     Alternative or additional embodiments described herein provide a wound contact layer comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description or of any description elsewhere herein. 
     Alternative or additional embodiments described herein provide a wound dressing comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description or of any description elsewhere herein. 
     Alternative or additional embodiments described herein provide a wound treatment system comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description or of any description elsewhere herein. 
     Alternative or additional embodiments described herein provide a method of treating a wound comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description or of any description elsewhere herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an example of a negative pressure wound therapy system; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of a negative pressure wound treatment system employing a pump, a flexible fluidic connector and a wound dressing capable of absorbing and storing wound exudate; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an embodiment of a negative pressure wound treatment system employing a flexible fluidic connector and a wound dressing capable of absorbing and storing wound exudate; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of a fluidic connector connected to a wound dressing; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate embodiments of wound dressings capable of absorbing and storing wound exudate to be used without negative pressure; 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of a wound dressing capable of absorbing and storing wound exudate to be used without negative pressure; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an embodiment of a wound dressing incorporating a source of negative pressure and/or other electronic components within the wound dressing; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an embodiment of layers of a wound dressing with the pump and electronic components offset from the absorbent area of the dressing; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an embodiment of a negative pressure wound treatment system employing a flexible fluidic connector and a wound dressing with a wrapped around spacer layer, the wound dressing capable of absorbing and storing wound exudate; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a negative pressure wound treatment system employing a flexible fluidic connector and a wound dressing with a wrapped around spacer layer, the wound dressing capable of absorbing and storing wound exudate; 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates an embodiment of a negative pressure wound treatment system employing a wound dressing capable of absorbing and storing wound exudate; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates another embodiment of a wound dressing in cross-section; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a wound dressing including an obscuring layer and viewing windows; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a section of an example of a wound dressing; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of an example of a support layer; 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic diagram of a section of another example of a wound dressing; 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the wound dressing of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of a further example of a wound dressing; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of a yet further example of a wound dressing; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  show embodiments of a multi-care wound contact layer (“WCL”) in the form of a square-perforated layer, all comprising (by weight) 45% silicone, 5% PEG, and 50% Cadexomer Iodine;  FIG. 12A  is a photograph of an embodiment of a multi-care WCL having perforations in the shape of a truncated square pyramid;  FIG. 12B  is a photograph of an embodiment of a multi-care WCL having perforations in the shape of a square-base cube; and  FIG. 12C  shows a three-dimensional finite element simulation model for an embodiment of a multi-care WCL in the form of a square-perforated layer; 
         FIGS. 12D-12E  show embodiments of a multi-care WCL in the form of a circle-perforated layer, both comprising (by weight) 45% silicone, 5% PEG, and 50% Cadexomer Iodine;  FIG. 12D  is a photograph showing an embodiment of a multi-care WCL in the form of a circle-perforated layer, where the circle perforations are packed into triangles;  FIG. 12E  illustrates two representative layouts of the circle perforations: square packing and triangular packing; 
         FIGS. 12F-12G  show embodiments of a multi-care WCL in the form of a hexagonal-perforated layer, both comprising (by weight) 45% silicone, 5% PEG, and 50% Cadexomer Iodine;  FIG. 12F  is a photograph showing an embodiment of a multi-care WCL in the form of a hexagonal-perforated layer; and  FIG. 12G  illustrates a representative layout of the hexagonal perforations; 
         FIG. 13  illustrate photographs of an embodiment of a multi-care WCL in a form of a square-perforated layer during wound model testing; 
         FIGS. 14A-14G  each shows representative data of three separate wound model tests performed on an embodiment of multi-care WCL; these wound model tested embodiments all comprise (by weight) 45% Silpuran 2400, 5% PEG, and 50% Cadexomer Iodine, but vary in geometric parameters; the horizontal top and bottom lines in  FIGS. 14A-14G  denote negative pressures of −95 and −130 mmHg, respectively. 
         FIGS. 15A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a square-shaped multi-care WCL having perforations. 
         FIGS. 16A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a square-shaped multi-care WCL having perforations and cutouts. 
         FIGS. 17A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a circle-shaped multi-care WCL having perforations. 
         FIGS. 18A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a circle-shaped multi-care WCL having perforations. 
         FIGS. 19A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a circle-shaped multi-care WCL having cutouts. 
         FIGS. 20A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a circle-shaped multi-care WCL having perforations and cutouts. 
         FIGS. 21A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a square-shaped multi-care WCL having clusters of perforations. 
         FIGS. 22A-E  illustrate an embodiment of a square-shaped multi-care WCL having raised structures with perforations. 
         FIGS. 23A-C  illustrate an embodiment of a square-shaped multi-care WCL having perforations. 
         FIGS. 24A-C  illustrate an embodiment of a square-shaped multi-care WCL having perforations. 
         FIGS. 25A-G  illustrate an embodiment of a multi-care WCL having subunits having three-dimensional shapes. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an embodiment of a multi-care WCL having varying thickness 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
     Embodiments described herein relate to materials, apparatuses, methods, and systems that incorporate, or comprise, or utilize a wound contact layer (“WCL”) for positioning in contact with a wound. A WCL may be utilized as a stand-alone component for separately positioning at a wound site, or may be incorporated into any number of multi-layer wound dressings and wound treatment apparatuses, such as described hereinbelow with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 11 . Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally applicable to use under ambient conditions, in negative pressure or reduced pressure therapy systems, or in compression therapy systems. 
     Some of the preferred embodiments described herein incorporate, or comprise, or utilize multi-care wound contact layers. Such a multi-care WCL possesses two or more of the following functional features: antimicrobial activities, easiness to apply or/and remove as one piece, easiness to cut with scissors, conformability to the three-dimensional contour of a wound surface, durability to wear, compatibility with negative pressure wound therapy or/and compression wound therapy, exudate management, capability of facilitating autolytic debridement of wound, capability of promoting wound healing, and self-indication of compositional or functional changes. The antimicrobial activities, such as in vitro antimicrobial activities, can include one or more of the following: broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, anti-biofilm activity, rapid speed of kill against microorganisms, sustained kill against microorganisms; and the microorganisms can include one or more of the following: Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses, algae, archaea and protozoa. 
     Certain preferred embodiments described herein provide a wound treatment system. Such a wound treatment system may comprise a stand-alone layer of multi-care WCL, configured to be sized for positioning over a wound. The wound treatment system may further comprise a secondary wound dressing configured to be separately positioned over the multi-care WCL. The multi-care WCL may have an adhesive adhered to the lower surface; and the adhesive can be configured that the multi-care WCL will be placed in proximity to the wound. The secondary wound dressing, if used, may adhere to skin surrounding the wound and may have the same size or may be larger than the multi-care WCL, so that the multi-care WCL will touch or be placed in proximity to the wound. The secondary wound dressing can be alternatively or additionally configured to form a seal to skin surrounding the wound so that the multi-care WCL will touch or be placed in proximity to the wound. The wound treatment system may further comprise a source of negative pressure configured to supply negative pressure through the secondary wound dressing and through the multi-care wound contact layer to the wound. 
     Certain other preferred embodiments described herein provide a multi-layered wound dressing, such as described herein the specification with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 11 . Such a multi-layered wound dressing may incorporate a multi-care WCL as a component layer thereof or, alternatively, may comprise a composite or laminate including the multi-care WCL as part of one of the component layers thereof. The multi-layered wound dressing may comprise: a multi-care wound contact layer as described above or described elsewhere herein; a transmission layer and/or absorbent layer over the multi-care wound contact layer; and a cover layer over the transmission layer and/or absorbent layer. The wound dressing may further comprise an adhesive layer on the lower surface of the multi-care wound contact layer. The wound dressing may further comprise a negative pressure port positioned on or above the cover layer. The multi-care wound contact layer may have a perimeter shape that is substantially the same as a perimeter shape of the cover layer. Alternatively, the multi-care wound contact layer may have a perimeter shape that is smaller than a perimeter shape of the cover layer. 
     One of skill in the art will understand that therapeutic agents, such as any disclosed herein this “Overview” section or elsewhere in the specification, may be loaded within the multi-care WCLs in powder form. One of skill in the art will further understand that therapeutics, such as any disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification, in powder form may be incorporated into any suitable absorbent layer disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification, and/or any suitable transmission layer disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification, and/or any foam layer disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. 
     In certain further preferred embodiments, the wound treatment systems and multi-layered wound dressings disclosed above or disclosed elsewhere herein the specification may incorporate or comprise an antimicrobial delivering multi-care wound contact layer. The antimicrobial species may be iodine, silver ions, or another suitable species. For example, such multi-care WCLs may deliver an iodine-containing compound such as incorporated into Iodosorb by Smith &amp; Nephew. As described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification, particularly below, the multi-care WCL may be configured to be activated to release antimicrobial species, such as iodine-containing molecules, by contact with moist or aqueous medium, such as wound exudate. Upon contact with moist or aqueous medium, either provided by wound exudate or not, the multi-care WCL layer may release antimicrobial species. At least a portion of the released antimicrobial species may be released, for example by diffusion. To facilitate release and diffusion of antimicrobial species, the multi-care WCL may be placed proximate to the wound to enable absorption of exudate. 
     Some preferred embodiments described herein the specification provide a method to treat a wound or locus. Such a method may include placing a multi-care WCL, either separately or by placing a multi-layered wound dressing having a multi-care WCL, over the wound. The method may comprise adhering the separate multi-care WCL and/or the multi-layer wound dressing having a multi-care WCL to healthy skin around the wound. The method may further comprise one or more of the following steps: A further wound dressing can be placed over the separate multi-care WCL or multi-layered wound dressing having the multi-care WCL that is placed over the wound. Wound exudate, or any moist or aqueous medium other than wound exudate, may be provided to reach and/or touch the multi-care WCL. Wound exudate, or any moist or aqueous medium other than wound exudate may be diffused or wicked into the wound dressing incorporating the multi-care WCL or into a wound dressing provided over the multi-care WCL. Negative pressure may be applied to the separate multi-care WCL or multi-layered wound dressing having the multi-care WCL, such that wound exudate is suctioned into the multi-care WCL directly, or into the wound dressing incorporating the multi-care WCL, or into a wound dressing provided over the multi-care WCL. 
     Therapeutic Composition 
     Some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide a therapeutic composition. The therapeutic composition may comprise one or more matrix polymers and a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles. The one or more matrix polymers may form a matrix in which the plurality of fluid-absorbent particles may be embedded. 
     The fluid-absorbent particles may be configured to swell upon contact with fluid as disclosed later in the specification. The fluid-absorbent particles that are configured to swell upon contact with fluid may absorb exudate from a wound, for example, when materials made from the therapeutic composition are placed in proximate to the wound. The fluid-absorbent particles that are configured to swell upon contact with fluid may comprise superabsorbent particles such as any disclosed herein this “Therapeutic Composition” section or elsewhere in the specification. In some embodiments, the fluid-absorbent particles may comprise spherical beads, non-spherical beads, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid-absorbent particles may comprise a diameter of less than 1 mm, preferably between 100 and 800 μm. 
     The fluid-absorbent particles may each comprise one or more therapeutic agents. The one or more therapeutic agents may comprise one or more of the following: antimicrobial agent, antibiotic drug, antiviral agent, anti-inflammatory agent, anti-histamine agent, local anesthetic, wound healing agent, vitamin, or mixtures thereof. One of skill in the art will understand that at least one of the one or more therapeutic agents, such as any disclosed herein this “Therapeutic Composition” section or elsewhere in the specification, may be loaded within the therapeutic compositions in powder form. One of skill in the art will also understand that at least a portion of the one or more therapeutic agents, loaded within the fluid-absorbent particles, may comprise extractable therapeutic agents, and that the extractable therapeutic agents can be released from materials made from the therapeutic composition. 
     In some embodiments, a therapeutic composition is disclosed that comprises fluid-absorbent particles that comprise an iodine-based antimicrobial agent. The iodine-based antimicrobial agent may comprise between 0.1% and 5%, or between 1% and 2%, preferably less than 2% by weight within the fluid-absorbent particles. The total antimicrobial iodine, as loaded within the fluid-absorbent particles, may comprise about 50% by weight extractable iodine. 
     In some embodiments, a therapeutic composition is disclosed that comprises fluid-absorbent particles that each comprises a crosslinked polymer and a therapeutic agent. The crosslinked polymer may comprise a crosslinked polysaccharide. The therapeutic agent may comprise an iodine-based antimicrobial agent. In some embodiments, the fluid-absorbent particles may comprise between about 30% and about 90%, preferably between about 50% and about 60%, by weight of the therapeutic composition. In some preferable embodiments, the fluid-absorbent particles may comprise between about 50% and about 63% by volume of the therapeutic composition, for example, when the fluid-absorbent particles comprise spherical beads of substantially uniform size. 
     In some preferable embodiments, the fluid-absorbent particles may comprise crosslinked polysaccharide beads containing antimicrobial iodine. The crosslinked polysaccharide beads may be selected from a group comprising Cadexomer, Sephadex, Dextranomer, Debrisan, or a mixture thereof. Cadexomer Iodine (iodinated Cadexomer beads) may comprise antimicrobial iodine of less than 2% by weight and, among the antimicrobial iodine, extractable iodine of less than 1% by weight based on the total weight of Cadexomer Iodine. Cadexomer Iodine may comprise about 30-90%, or 50-60% by weight of the therapeutic composition. 
     The one or more matrix polymers may comprise an elastomeric composition. The elastomeric composition in the matrix may provide the structural integrity that permits materials made from the therapeutic composition to sustain pressures, including below- and/or above-ambient pressures. The elastomeric composition may also provide the cohesiveness that allows one-piece application and removal of materials made from the therapeutic composition. The cohesiveness provided by the elastomeric composition may further prevent shedding of the fluid-absorbent particles, for example, when materials made from the therapeutic composition swell or/and experience deformations in use. 
     The elastomeric composition may comprise one or more silicones. The one or more silicones may comprise a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. The RTV silicone may comprise an addition curing RTV silicone, made from a mixture of at least one elastomeric composition base and at least one curing agent. The addition curing RTV silicone may be selected from a group comprising Silpuran silicones, Elastosil silicones, Cenusil silicones, Silmix silicones, or a mixture thereof. One of skill in the art will understand each family of silicones include variations, for example, in molecular weights, mechanical properties or/and other properties. For example, Silpuran silicones may include, but are not limited to, Silpuran 2100, Silpuran 2110, Sipuran 2112, Silpuran 2120, Silpuran 2130, Silpuran 2400, Silpuran 2400/25, Silpuran 2445, Silpuran 2450, Silpuran 4200, Silpuran 6000, Silpuran 6400, Silpuran 6600, Silpuran 6700, Silpuran 8020, Silpuran 8030, Silpuran 8060, Silpuran 8461, and Silpuran 8630. For another example, Silpuran 2400/25 is softer than Silpuran 2400. According to the manufacturer&#39;s website, the Shore A hardness, determined according to ISO 868 standards, of Silpuran 2400 is 7 (https://www.wacker.com/cms/en/products/product/product.jsp?product=13693), while the Shore A hardness of Silpuran 2400/25 is below 0 (https://www.wacker.com/cms/en/products/product/product.jsp?product=13950). 
     In some embodiments, the weight % of elastomeric composition within the therapeutic composition, or materials made from the therapeutic composition, may be between about 10% to about 90%, preferably between about 30% to about 70%. 
     The one or more matrix polymers, comprising an elastomeric composition, may further comprise a hydrophilic polymer. The ratios between the matrix polymers can be configured to form a flexible layer capable of conforming to the wound surface, and to provide a soft tactile feel. The hydrophilic polymer may be configured to form a hydrophilic phase in the matrix. The hydrophilic phase may provide a pathway for fluid ingress to reach the fluid-absorbent particles encapsulated or embedded in the matrix. As such, in embodiments, the hydrophilic phase of the matrix can dictate the onset and dynamics of the therapeutic release. 
     The hydrophilic polymer may comprise one or more polyethylene glycols (PEGs). The one or more PEGS may comprise an average molecular weight of about 100 g/mol to about 40,000 g/mol. One of skill in the art will understand that the average molecular weight (g/mole or Da) of a PEG may be denoted as a number in the name of PEG. For example, PEG-400 refers to a PEG having an average molecular weight of approximately 400 g/mole (or Da). The one or more PEGS may be selected from a group comprising: PEG-100, PEG-200, PEG-400, PEG-600, PEG-1000, PEG-3000, PEG-4000, PEG-10000, PEG-35000, or a mixture thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the weight % of hydrophilic polymer within the therapeutic composition, or materials made from the therapeutic composition, may be about 30% or less, preferably, about 20% or less. For example, the PEG may comprise about 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of the therapeutic composition. 
     The elastomeric composition and/or the hydrophilic polymer may comprise biocompatible polymers that are suitable for contacting a wound. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more matrix polymers may be already approved by the FDA for use in wound care. Exemplary biocompatible hydrophilic polymers may comprise PEGs such as PEG-400. Exemplary biocompatible elastomeric compositions may include Silpuran silicones and Elastosil silicones, such as Silpuran 2400 and Silpuran 2400/25. Certain preferable embodiments of therapeutic compositions may comprise Silpuran silicones for their FDA-approved use in broken skin. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide materials, particularly wound care materials, made from and/or comprises a therapeutic composition as described above or described elsewhere herein the specification. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a wound contact layer that is made from and/or comprises a therapeutic composition as described above or described elsewhere herein the specification. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a wound dressing. The wound dressing comprises a layer that is made from and/or comprises a therapeutic composition as described above or described elsewhere herein the specification. 
     Multi-Care Wound Contact Layer 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide a multi-care wound contact layer. The multi-care wound contact layer may comprise a flexible, biocompatible layer. The flexible, biocompatible layer may comprise a therapeutic composition as described above or described elsewhere herein the specification. In some embodiments, the flexible, biocompatible layer may comprise by weight: 10-90%, preferably 30-70% elastomeric composition; 1-20% hydrophilic polymer; and 30-90%, preferably 50-60% fluid-absorbent particles. Table 1 illustrates eight representative compositions of the multi-care WCL: Examples 1 and 5 comprise silicone and Cadexomer Iodine, while Examples 2-4 and 6-8 further comprise PEG-400. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Benchmark compositions of multi-care WCLs 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Example 
                 Silicone 
                 Cadexomer Iodine 
                 PEG-400 
               
               
                   
                 No. 
                 (wt %) 
                 (wt %) 
                 (wt %) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 1 
                 90 
                 10 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 80 
                 10 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 70 
                 10 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 60 
                 30 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 50 
                 50 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 40 
                 50 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 40 
                 40 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 8 
                 50 
                 40 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS. 12A-12G  show preferable embodiments of a multi-care WCL that comprises a flexible, biocompatible layer, but this application is not limited to these preferable embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 12A , a flexible, biocompatible layer of a multi-care WCL  2500  may comprise an upper surface  2530 , a lower surface  2540 , and four side surfaces  2550 . Although the illustrated embodiments have four side surfaces to form a rectangular or square shape, the multi-care WCL may have other shapes as well, such as multi-sided polygon, circular, elliptical, multi-lobe, and any of the shapes depicted and described for the wound dressing layers of  FIGS. 1-11 . The shape of a multi-care WCL may comprise sharp corners, such as squared corners, or rounded corners, or a combinations thereof. The upper and lower surfaces may define a thickness  2555  therebetween. 
     The flexible, biocompatible layer may further comprise an array of perforations (or holes) extending partially or entirely through the thickness. The perforations may comprise a three-dimensional (3D) shape selected from the group comprising: sphere, cone, cylinder, cube, pyramid, and a truncated form thereof. Each perforation  2510  may comprise an opening on the upper surface  2530 , or an opening on the lower surface  2540 , or both. Any one perforation may comprise identical or different openings on the upper and lower surfaces. The opening may comprise a two dimensional (2D) size  2515  described further below. The flexible, biocompatible layer may comprise a network of internal walls  2520 , and the network of internal walls may comprise a wall width  2525  that may define the space between two adjacent perforations. The internal walls  2520  may be parallel to the side surfaces  2550 , or may be provided at a non-90 degree angle relative to the side surfaces  2550 , or may comprise a combination thereof. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12B , the internal walls may be parallel to the side surfaces, and the openings of the perforations may be identical between the upper and lower surfaces. In other embodiments, the internal walls may be provided at a non-90 degree angle relative to the side surfaces, despite that the openings of the perforations may be identical between the upper and lower surfaces. In yet other embodiments, the two openings of a perforation on the upper and lower surfaces may differ, for example, the perforations may comprise a pyramidal or truncated pyramidal shape (such as shown in  FIG. 12A ) and, thus, the internal walls  2520  may be provided at an angle relative to the side surfaces  2550  (e.g., at a 45 degree angle). In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12C , the internal walls also form a grid of parallel rows and columns of perforations, where the rows are perpendicular to the columns. 
     The opening of a perforation on the upper or lower surface may comprise a 2D shape selected from the group comprising: a circle (such as in  FIG. 12D ), an oval, a triangle, a square (such as in  FIGS. 12A-12B ), a rectangle, a hexagon (such as in  FIG. 12F ), an octagon or any other polygon or shape. One of skill in the art will understand that the size of the opening may be defined depending on the shape of the opening. In some embodiments, the size of a circle is the diameter. In other embodiments, the size of an oval is the longer diameter. In yet other embodiments, the size of a hexagon is the longest diagonal; and the size of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, an octagon or any other polygon perforation is the longest side. When the two openings of a perforation on the upper and lower surfaces are identical, the 2D shape of an opening may be referred to as the shape of a perforation, and the 2D size of an opening may be referred to as the size of a perforation. The size of the opening or perforations may be at least 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 to 3.5 mm, or between 1 to 3 mm. The wall width defining the space between two adjacent perforations may be between 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3.5 mm, or between 1 to 3 mm. 
     One of skill in the art will understand that certain embodiments of the multi-care WCL, such as described in the preceding paragraph or described elsewhere herein the specification, may be denoted according to the shape, size and layout of the perforations. For example,  FIG. 12D  shows an embodiment that may be denoted as having a circle geometry with triangle packing. This denotation indicates that the perforations are circular and the circular perforations are arranged in a triangle packed layout, as shown in the right side of  FIG. 12E , wherein adjacent rows of perforations are offset from one another. In one example, the embodiment of  FIG. 12D  may have circular perforations having a size (i.e., diameter) of 3 mm, with the space between any two adjacent perforations being 1 mm. Another embodiment may be denoted as having a circle geometry with square packing. A square-packed layout is shown in the left side of  FIG. 12E , wherein the all of the perforations are arranged in parallel rows and columns. In such an embodiment, the perforations may have a size (i.e., diameter) of 3 mm, with the space between any two adjacent perforations being 1 mm.  FIG. 12F  illustrates an embodiment that may be denoted as having a hexagonal geometry with triangular packing. This denotation indicates that the perforations are hexagonal and the hexagonal perforations are arranged in a triangle packed layout, as shown in  FIG. 12G . 
     The thickness of the multi-care WCL (such as  2555  in  FIG. 12A ) may be selected or pre-determined to achieve a desired loading of therapeutics. One of skill in the art will understand that the total loading of therapeutics may depend on the total mass (or volume) of the multi-care WCL and the amount of therapeutics loaded per unit mass (or volume) of the multi-care WCL. One of skill in the art will also understand that the total mass (or volume) of the perforated multi-care WCL can be jointly determined by the perforation size, the wall width that defines the space between two adjacent perforations, and the thickness of the flexible, biocompatible layer. As described above with respect to the therapeutic composition or described elsewhere herein the specification, one of skill in the art will further understand that a desired amount of therapeutics loaded per unit mass (or volume) of the multi-care WCL may be obtained by varying the loading of therapeutics within each fluid-absorbent particles or/and the amount of the fluid-absorbent particles within a unit mass (or volume) of the multi-care WCL. In certain embodiments, the weight % of the antimicrobial iodine within the fluid-absorbent particles may be between 0.1% and 5%, or between 1% and 2%, or preferably less than 2%. In certain embodiments, the weight % of the fluid-absorbent particles within the multi-care WCL may be between about 30% and about 90%, preferably between about 50% and about 60%. In certain embodiments, the volume % of the fluid-absorbent particles within the multi-care WCL may be preferably between about 50% and about 63%, for example, when the fluid-absorbent particles comprise spherical beads of substantially uniform size. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Geometries and dimensions of thirteen benchmark embodiments of the multi- 
               
               
                 care wound contact layer (WCL). All these embodiments comprise, by weight, 
               
               
                 45% silicone, 5% PEG, and 50% Cadexomer Iodine; and the Cadexomer Iodine 
               
               
                 comprises 1.8% of iodine by weight. One of skill in the art will understand 
               
               
                 that the volumes of these embodiments may vary according to the geometrical 
               
               
                 parameters of the perforation array. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Sample 
                   
                 Perforation 
                 Wall 
                 Layer 
                 Relative amount of 
               
               
                 geometry 
                 Perforation 
                 size ‡   
                 width ‡   
                 thickness 
                 Cadexomer Iodine 
               
               
                 denotation 
                 shape 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 per unit area* 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 A 
                 Square 
                 1.0 
                 1.0 
                 2.0 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 B 
                 Square 
                 1.0 
                 3.0 
                 1.6 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 C 
                 Square 
                 3.0 
                 1.0 
                 3.5 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 D 
                 Square 
                 3.0 
                 3.0 
                 2.0 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 E 
                 Square 
                 1.0 
                 1.0 
                 4.0 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 F 
                 Square 
                 1.0 
                 3.0 
                 3.2 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 G 
                 Square 
                 3.0 
                 1.0 
                 6.9 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 H 
                 Square 
                 3.0 
                 3.0 
                 4.0 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 I 
                 Square 
                 2.0 
                 2.0 
                 3.0 
                 0.75 
               
               
                 J 
                 Square 
                 1.0 
                 1.0 
                 3.0 
                 0.75 
               
               
                 K 
                 Square 
                 3.0 
                 1.0 
                 5.2 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 L 
                 Square 
                 2.5 
                 1.0 
                 6.1 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 M 
                 Square 
                 3.0 
                 1.5 
                 5.4 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 N 
                 Square 
                 3.5 
                 1.5 
                 5.9 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 O 
                 Circle in square 
                 3.0 
                 1.0 
                 5.4 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 packing 
               
               
                 P 
                 Circle in square 
                 3.5 
                 1.5 
                 4.9 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 packing 
               
               
                 Q 
                 Circle in triangle 
                 3.0 
                 1.0 
                 5.4 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 packing 
               
               
                 R 
                 Circle in triangle 
                 3.5 
                 1.5 
                 4.9 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 packing 
               
               
                 S 
                 Hexagonal 
                 3.0 
                 1.0 
                 5.5 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 T 
                 Hexagonal 
                 3.5 
                 1.5 
                 4.9 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 U 
                 Hexagonal 
                 2.0 
                 1.0 
                 4.6 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 V 
                 Hexagonal 
                 1.5 
                 1.0 
                 4.15 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 W 
                 Square 
                 1.5 
                 1.0 
                 4.7 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 X 
                 Square 
                 2.0 
                 1.0 
                 5.4 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   ‡ Perforation sizes and wall widths are defined as described above herein this section. 
               
               
                 *Square geometries E-H and Circle geometries O-Q comprise the same amount of Cadexomer Iodine per unit area, which is defined as 1.00. The amounts of Cadexomer Iodine per unit area are calculated for the other geometries in relation to this reference amount and summarized in the “Relative amount of Cadexomer Iodine per unit area” column. The unit area refers to the surface area, including the perforated portion, of the lower surface of the multi-care WCL that may contact the wound at least partially. One of skill in the art would understand that the amount of Cadexomer Iodine per unit area may affect the antimicrobial activity of the multi-care WCL. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As illustrated in Table 2, one of skill in the art will understand how to determine a desired thickness of a multi-care WCL based on, for example, the desired dose of therapeutics, the density of therapeutics loaded within the multi-care WCL, and the geometry and size of the perforations. Table 2 summarizes the dimensions of thirteen representative embodiments of a multi-care WCL, including ten square perforation geometries (“A” through “J”), two circle perforation geometries (“0” and “Q”), and one hexagonal perforation geometry (“S”). One of skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the multi-care WCL are denoted according to the shape, size and layout of the perforations. One of skill in the art will also understand that the volumes of these embodiments may vary according to the geometrical parameters of the perforation array. One of skill in the art will further understand that the wound surface area that needs to be covered by the multi-care WCL may be helpful information for determining the desired thickness, and that the amount of Cadexomer Iodine per unit area may affect the antimicrobial activity of the multi-care WCL. 
     In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL may comprise therapeutics, such as any disclosed above with respect to the therapeutic compositions or elsewhere herein the specification, in the matrix other than or in addition to those within the fluid-absorbent particles embedded in the matrix. One of skill in the art will understand that such therapeutics may be loaded within the multi-care wound contact layer in powder form. 
     Some embodiments of the multi-care WCL may comprise substantially the same top and bottom surfaces; and either surface may be applied onto the wound surface without the need to distinguish between a wound facing face and a reverse face. Some alternative embodiments of the multi-care WCL may have different opening shapes and/or sizes of perforations between top and bottom surfaces, allowing a distinction between a wound facing face and a reverse face. For example, the perforations may have a constant shape and size from the upper surface  2530  to the lower surface  2540  (such as in  FIG. 12B ), or the size may vary between the upper and lower surfaces (such as in  FIG. 12A ). 
     The multi-care WCL described in this “Multi-Care Wound Contact Layer” section or described elsewhere herein the specification may exhibit more than one of the following functional features: The multi-care WCL can be configured to achieve a rapid speed of kill against broad-spectrum micro-organisms, for example, at least in vitro, to rapidly reduce microbial viability within 4 hours after application of the multi-care WCL. The multi-care WCL can be configured to achieve sustained microbial killing, for example, at least in vitro, to produce a four-log reduction or more in microbial counts at day two and maintain this level of activity at day three. The multi-care WCL can be configured to achieve anti-biofilm efficacy, for example, at least in vitro, to reduce biofilm associated cells at day three. The multi-care WCL may be designed to be readily manipulated by a physician, such as easy to cut with scissors, easy to apply, and easy to remove as one piece, followed by wound cleansing to remove fluid-absorbent particles loosened from the matrix material. The multi-care WCL may be conformable to the contour of a wound surface. The multi-care WCL may be compatible with compression wound therapy, for example, capable of maintaining pressure for at least about three days (72 hours) or more and durable to wear. The multi-care WCL may be compatible with negative pressure wound therapy, for example, PICO or RENASYS for at least about three days or more and durable to wear. The multi-care WCL may be configured to absorb, store, and manage wound exudate. The multi-care WCL may facilitate autolytic debridement of the wound and promote healing. The multi-care WCL may be self-indicating of compositional or functional changes. 
     One of skill in the art will understand that desired anti-microbial properties of a multi-care WCL may depend on the dose of therapeutics within the multi-care WCL (e.g., “Relative amount of Cadexomer Iodine per unit area” as shown in Table 2). For example, the antimicrobial efficacy of a multi-care WCL may be improved by increasing the loading density of the fluid-absorbent particles, by increasing the space (wall width) between adjacent perforations, and/or by increasing the thickness of the multi-care WCL. One of skill in the art will thus understand that, with respect to a desired therapeutic dose, increasing the wall width may allow decreasing the thickness of the multi-care WCL. 
     As disclosed in the preceding “Therapeutic Composition” section with respect to therapeutic compositions and disclosed elsewhere herein the specification, the hydrophilic phase of the matrix can dictate the onset and dynamics of the therapeutic release. One of skill in the art will thus understand that the speed of kill against microorganisms may be improved by increasing the antimicrobial loading (such as Cadexomer Iodine (%)) or the amount of the hydrophilic polymer (such as PEG (%)). For another example, more sustained antimicrobial activities may be achieved by decreasing the amount (%) of PEG, which slows the ingress of fluid along the matrix and the release of Iodine. 
     As disclosed in the preceding “Therapeutic Composition” section and disclosed elsewhere herein the specification, fluid-absorbent particles, embedded in the flexible, biocompatible layer, may be configured to swell upon contact with fluid (or exudate). One of skill in the art will understand that increasing the loading density of fluid-absorbent particles may result in greater swelling of a multi-care WCL, particularly when fully saturated with fluid (or exudate). Accordingly, one of skill in the art will understand that increasing the loading density of fluid-absorbent particles may require use of larger perforations or thinner walls between adjacent perforations to allow the passage of negative pressure through the multi-care WCL. Moreover, one of skill in the art will also understand that increasing the perforation size may require increasing the thickness of the multi-care WCL to obtain a desired therapeutic dose; and a thicker layer may block negative pressure wound treatment. One of skill in the art will, thus, understand the potential trade-off between increasing the iodine loading in the multi-care WCL and maintaining the compatibility with negative pressure wound therapy. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a contact with wound fluid (or exudate) triggers fluid-absorption by the multi-care wound contact layer, and the perforated structure of the multi-care WCL swells. As a result, the Cadexomer Iodine begins to release therapeutic agent. 
     As shown in the wound model testing results in  FIGS. 14A-14G , various embodiments of the multi-care WCLs were able to maintain negative pressures for at least one day, or at least two days, or preferably throughout the wear time of about three days or more. The embodiments are of different geometries and have different WCL layer thicknesses and different loadings of Cadexomer Iodine, as described below. Negative pressure was set at −120 mm Hg, simulating exudate at 7.8 ml/hour. The test was to determine whether the multi-care WCL could maintain negative pressure within the defined upper limit of about −95 mm Hg (top horizontal line in  FIGS. 14A-14G ) and the defined lower limit of about −130 mm Hg (bottom horizontal line in  FIGS. 14A-14G ). 
       FIG. 14A  shows three representative data sets of wound model testing for an embodiment of a multi-care WCL (denoted as sample “C” (with square perforations) in Table 2). This embodiment comprises square perforations in the size of 3.0 mm, and internal walls between two adjacent perforations in the width of 1.0 mm. The multi-care wound contact layer has a thickness of 3.5 mm. In this embodiment, negative pressure was maintained for at least three days for all three tests. 
       FIG. 14B  shows three representative data sets of wound model testing for an embodiment of multi-care WCL (denoted as sample “G” (with square perforations) in Table 2). This embodiment comprises square perforations in the size of 3.0 mm, and internal walls between two adjacent perforations in the width of 1.0 mm. The multi-care wound contact layer has a thickness of 6.9 mm. In this embodiment, negative pressure was maintained for at least three days for all three tests. 
       FIG. 14C  shows three representative data sets of wound model testing for an embodiment of multi-care WCL (denoted as sample “I” (with square perforations) in Table 2) This embodiment comprises square perforations in the size of 2.0 mm, and internal walls between two adjacent perforations in the width of 2.0 mm. The multi-care wound contact layer has a thickness of 3.0 mm. In this embodiment, negative pressure was maintained for at least two days for all three tests. 
       FIG. 14D  shows three representative data sets of wound model testing for an embodiment of multi-care WCL (denoted as sample “J” (with square perforations) in Table 2) This embodiment comprises square perforations in the size of 1.0 mm, and internal walls between two adjacent perforations in the width of 1.0 mm. The multi-care wound contact layer has a thickness of 3.0 mm. In this embodiment, negative pressure was maintained for at least one day for all three tests. 
       FIG. 14E  shows three representative data sets of wound model testing for an embodiment of multi-care WCL (denoted as sample “0” (with circle perforations in square packing) in Table 2). This embodiment comprises square-packed, circle perforations in the size of 3.0 mm, and internal walls between two adjacent perforations in the width of 1.0 mm. The multi-care wound contact layer comprises a thickness of 5.4 mm. In this embodiment, negative pressure was maintained for at least three days for two of the three tests. 
       FIG. 14F  shows three representative data sets of wound model testing for an embodiment of multi-care WCL (denoted as sample “Q” (with circle perforations in triangle packing) in Table 2). This embodiment comprises triangle-packed, circle perforations in the size of 3.0 mm, and internal walls between two adjacent perforations in the width of 1.0 mm. The multi-care wound contact layer comprises a thickness of 5.4 mm. In this embodiment, negative pressure was maintained for at least one day for all three tests, and for at least three days for one of the three tests. 
       FIG. 14G  shows three representative data sets of wound model testing for an embodiment of multi-care WCL (denoted as sample “S” (with hexagonal perforations) in Table 2). The embodiment comprises hexagonal perforations in the size of 3.0 mm, and internal walls between two adjacent perforations in the width of 1.0 mm. The multi-care wound contact layer comprises a thickness of 5.5 mm. In this embodiment, negative pressure was maintained for at least three days for all three tests. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Representative mechanical properties used in the FE models. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Elastic Modulus 
                 Poisson&#39;s 
                 Thermal Expansion 
               
               
                   
                 State 
                 (MPa) 
                 Ratio 
                 (° C. −1 ) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Wet 
                 0.115 
                 0.475 
                 0.0054 
               
               
                   
                 Dry 
                 0.309 
                 0.475 
                 0.0054 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     For certain embodiments of the multi-care wound contact layer, swelling under negative pressures was also studied using finite element (FE) analysis. Table 3 summarizes representative mechanical characteristics of the multi-care WCL, under both dry and wet conditions, as used in the FE simulations. One of skill in the art will understand the selection of linear thermal expansion coefficients in Table 3 allows FE simulation of an equivalent variation in dimensions with an arbitrary temperature increase. One of skill in the art will also understand that the selection of Poisson&#39;s ratio in Table 3 allows FE simulations of the quasi-incompressible behavior of the multi-care WCL. 
     The FE analysis simulated the application of ambient pressure (pressure value 0) and negative pressures (such as −120 and −200 mmHg) to the top of the multi-care WCL and, accordingly, observed the deformation of the multi-care WCL, the compression of the wound beneath the multi-care WCL, and the negative pressures transmitted inside and through the perforations. The FE analysis specified symmetry boundary conditions over the four edges of the multi-care WCL with a simple normal constraint on the lower face to represent its contact with the wound bed. Table 4 summarizes the measurements of the cross-sectional areas of the perforations at the top and bottom under both dry and wet conditions. The FE simulation results shown in Table 4 illustrate that the cross-sectional areas of the perforations reduce after the negative pressures were applied on the multi-care WCL. As shown in the bottom panel of Table 4, the embodiments of geometry denotation G (with square perforations) did not completely collapse under wet conditions after the application of negative pressures. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Cross-sectional areas of the perforation channels in various embodiments of 
               
               
                 multi-care WCL in dry and wet conditions and under different pressures. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Sample 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 geometry 
                   
                 Cross-sectional area (mm 2 ) 
                 % of original area 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 denotation 
                 Position 
                 0 mmHg 
                 −120 mmHg 
                 −200 mmHg 
                 0 mmHg 
                 −120 mmHg 
                 −200 mmHg 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dry Matrix 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 E 
                 bottom 
                 0.097 
                 0.051 
                 0.028 
                 9.70 
                 5.14 
                 2.84 
               
               
                   
                 top 
                 0.097 
                 0.051 
                 0.028 
                 9.70 
                 5.14 
                 2.84 
               
               
                 F 
                 bottom 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
               
               
                   
                 top 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
               
               
                 G 
                 bottom 
                 5.46 
                 5.08 
                 4.77 
                 60.64 
                 56.47 
                 53.00 
               
               
                   
                 top 
                 5.47 
                 5.08 
                 4.85 
                 60.81 
                 56.48 
                 53.90 
               
               
                 H 
                 bottom 
                 0.996 
                 0.563 
                 0.336 
                 11.07 
                 6.26 
                 3.74 
               
               
                   
                 top 
                 0.996 
                 0.563 
                 0.256 
                 11.07 
                 6.26 
                 2.84 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Wet Matrix 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 E 
                 bottom 
                 0.097 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 9.70 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
               
               
                   
                 top 
                 0.097 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 9.70 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
               
               
                 F 
                 bottom 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
               
               
                   
                 top 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
               
               
                 G 
                 bottom 
                 5.46 
                 4.50 
                 3.86 
                 60.64 
                 49.98 
                 42.92 
               
               
                   
                 top 
                 5.46 
                 4.50 
                 3.86 
                 60.64 
                 49.99 
                 42.92 
               
               
                 H 
                 bottom 
                 1.00 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 11.07 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
               
               
                   
                 top 
                 1.00 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
                 11.07 
                 0.0* 
                 0.0* 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Values 0.0 mean that the channels are closed. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As illustrated in Table 5, certain preferable embodiments of the multi-care WCL may show speed of kill in vitro against various microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi. One of skill in the art will understand that representatives of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and fungi may comprise, respectively,  P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, C. albicans , and  A. brasiliensis . Certain embodiments of the multi-care WCL, for example, may show a rapid speed of killing in vitro by reducing the numbers (CFU/mL) of viable microorganisms within the first 4 hours after the application of the multi-care WCL. In certain embodiments, for example, one or more of the following factors may improve the speed of kill, at least in vitro: the hydrophilic polymer content in the matrix (such as PEG (%)), the loading of the antimicrobial agent (such as iodine (%) per Cadexomer Iodine and Cadexomer Iodine (%) within the multi-care WCL), and the thickness of the multi-care WCL. For another example, certain embodiments of the multi-care WCLs comprising a silicone having a greater Shore hardness may provide a more rapid speed of kill in vitro. For further example, some embodiments containing Silpuran 2400 appeared to show a better speed of kill, at least in vitro, than those containing Silpuran 2400/25 of the same %. 
     As illustrated in Table 5, certain preferable embodiments of the multi-care WCL may show sustainability of kill in vitro against various microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi. One of skill in the art will understand that representatives of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and fungi may comprise, respectively,  P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, C. albicans , and  A. brasiliensis . Certain embodiments of the multi-care WCL, for example, may show a sustained killing in vitro by achieving a four log or more reduction of CFU/mL obtained at 48 hours, and maintained for at least about 72 hours, after the application. 
     Certain embodiments of the multi-care WCL, for example, may show anti-biofilm activities, at least in vitro, against various microorganisms, such as bacteria (data not shown). 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Mean log 10  cfu/sample reduction (compared to 0 h control) achieved in vitro by 
               
               
                 prototype multi-care wound contact layers, comprising 45 wt % silicone, 5 wt 
               
               
                 % PEG, and 50 wt % Cadexomer Iodine, following treatment for 0.5-72 h against 
               
               
                 a panel of test microorganisms. The tested prototype multi-care WCLs each contain 
               
               
                 an array of square perforations. Each perforation has a constant square shape 
               
               
                 and a size of 1.06 mm through the upper and lower surfaces. Two adjacent perforations 
               
               
                 are spaced 1 mm apart. The prototype multi-care WCLs vary in thickness: 2 mm 
               
               
                 (shown in 5A), 3 mm (shown in 5B), or 4 mm (shown in 5C). 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Silpuran 2400 
                 Silpuran 2400/25 
               
               
                   
                 Treatment time (h) 
                 Treatment time (h) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Test microbe 
                 0.5 
                 4 
                 24 
                 48 
                 72 
                 0.5 
                 4 
                 24 
                 48 
                 72 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 (5A) 2-mm thick multi-care WCLs 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 
                   P. aeruginosa 
                 
                 0.23 
                 3.40 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 0.10 
                 2.90 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
               
               
                 
                   S. aureus 
                 
                 0.58 
                 2.59 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 0.59 
                 4.59 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
               
               
                 
                   C. albicans 
                 
                 0.68 
                 1.42 
                 3.53 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
                 0.61 
                 1.71 
                 4.71 
                 4.66 
                 5.95 
               
               
                 
                   A. brasiliensis 
                 
                 0.70 
                 0.89 
                 2.43 
                 5.96 
                 6.26 
                 0.51 
                 1.04 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 (5B) 3-mm thick multi-care WCLs 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 
                   P. aeruginosa 
                 
                 0.32 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 −0.07 
                 2.85 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
               
               
                 
                   S. aureus 
                 
                 1.31 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 5.66 
                 6.05 
                 0.27 
                 2.70 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 5.92 
               
               
                 
                   C. albicans 
                 
                 0.66 
                 2.05 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
                 0.88 
                 2.37 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
               
               
                 
                   A. brasiliensis 
                 
                 0.66 
                 1.43 
                 5.05 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
                 0.62 
                 1.05 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 (5C) 4-mm thick multi-care WCLs 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 
                   P. aeruginosa 
                 
                 0.30 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 5.59 
                 0.12 
                 3.84 
                 5.59 
                 5.53 
                 5.59 
               
               
                 
                   S. aureus 
                 
                 1.81 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 0.57 
                 4.57 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
                 6.05 
               
               
                 
                   C. albicans 
                 
                 0.94 
                 5.32 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
                 0.67 
                 2.37 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
                 5.95 
               
               
                 
                   A. brasiliensis 
                 
                 1.03 
                 1.72 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
                 0.49 
                 1.29 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
                 6.26 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Other Embodiments of Multi-Care Wound Contact Layer 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer (WCL) may include perforations having two or more different sizes and/or shapes.  FIGS. 15A-B  illustrate a multi-care wound contact layer (WCL)  1500  having a plurality of first perforations  1520  and a plurality of second perforations  1540 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 15A-B , the first perforations  1520  and the second perforations  1540  may have a different shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first perforations  1520  have a hexagonal shape, while the second perforations  1540  have a pentagonal shape. In some embodiments, the first perforations  1520  and the second perforations  1540  may have a same or substantially same shape. The first perforations  1520  and the second perforations  1540  may have one or more shapes selected from a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cross, ellipse or arrow shape. As illustrated in  FIGS. 15A-B , the first perforations  1520  and the second perforations  1540  may have a different size. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first perforations  1520  have a larger diameter than the second perforations  1540 . In some embodiments, the first perforations  1520  and the second perforations  1540  may have a same or substantially same size. In some embodiments, the first perforations  1520  and the second perforations may be distributed in a different configuration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first perforations  1520  are distributed in multiple columns while the first perforations  1520  of the adjacent columns are staggered to each other, such that the first perforations  1520  are distributed in a triangular packing layout, while the second perforations  1540  are distributed around each of the first perforations  1520 . 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care wound contact layer (WCL) may include one or more cutouts having a letter shape.  FIGS. 16A-B  illustrate a multi-care WCL  1600  having a plurality of perforations  1620  and cutouts  1640 . The perforations  1620  may be similar with any other perforations or holes of the multi-care WCLs described herein elsewhere. For example, the perforations  1620  may have one or more shapes selected from a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cross, ellipse or arrow shape. As illustrated in  FIGS. 16A-B , the cutouts  1640  have alphabetic shapes (i.e. “S” and “N”). The cutouts  1640  may have a shape of one or more letters or shape indicative of any relevant information, such as the manufacturer of the WCL, the product name, correct direction of application, expiration date etc. The cutouts  1640  may have shape selected from one or more alphabets, numbers, arrows or any suitable graphical objects. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL  1600  have the cutouts  1640  only without having the perforations  1620 . 
     Although the multi-care WCLs illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-G  and  15 A- 16 B have a square or substantially square shape, the multi-care WCLs may have any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCLs may have an elliptical, rectangular, circular, or multi-lobed shape.  FIGS. 17A-17B  illustrate a multi-care WCL  1700  having a circular or disc shape. The multi-care WCL  1700  may include a plurality of perforations  1720 . The perforations  1720  may be similar with the perforations of the multi-care WCLs described elsewhere herein other than as described below. For example, the perforations  1720  may have one or more shapes selected from a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cross, ellipse or arrow shape. As illustrated in  FIGS. 17A-B , the perforations  1720  may be distributed along multiple concentric circles formed around a center point of the multi-care WCL  1700 . In some embodiments, the concentric circles may be evenly spaced from one another, and/or the perforations  1720  in the same concentric circle may be evenly distributed along the circle. In some embodiments, the concentric circles may be spaced evenly from one another. 
     In some embodiments, perforations of a multi-care WCL may be distributed along multiple concentric polygons around a center point of the multi-care WCL.  FIGS. 18A-B  illustrate a multi-care WCL  1800  having perforations  1820 . The perforations  1820  may be similar with the perforations of the multi-care WCLs described elsewhere herein other than as described below. For example, the perforations  1820  may have one or more shapes selected from a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cross, ellipse or arrow shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the perforations  1820  are distributed along multiple concentric decagons formed around a center point of the multi-care WCL  1800 . In some embodiments, the perforations  1820  are distributed along multiple concentric squares, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons or nonagons. The concentric polygons may be evenly spaced from one another, and/or the perforations  1820  in the same concentric polygon may be evenly distributed along the polygon. 
       FIGS. 19A-B  illustrates a multi-care WCL  1900  having cutouts  1920 . The multi-care WCL  1900  may have a circular shape and the cutouts  1920  may have an at least partially circular or arc shape. The cutouts  1920  may define at least portions of multiple concentric circles as shown in  FIGS. 19A-B . The cutouts  1920  may have a shape at least partially extending in a parallel fashion with the outer perimeter of the multi-care WCL  1900 . The multi-care WCL  1900  may further include connecting portions  1940  which extends between the cutouts  1920  and/or connecting portions of the multi-care WCL  1900  separated by the cutouts  1920 . 
     In some embodiments, a circle shaped multi-care WCL may include one or more cutouts having a letter shape.  FIGS. 20A-B  illustrate a circle-shaped multi-care WCL  2000  having a plurality of perforations  2020  and cutouts  2040 . The perforations  2020  may be similar with any other perforations or holes of the multi-care WCLs described herein elsewhere. For example, the perforations  2020  may have one or more shapes selected from a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cross, ellipse or arrow shape. As illustrated in  FIGS. 20A-B , the cutouts  2040  have alphabetic shapes (i.e. “S” and “N”). The cutouts  2040  may have a shape of one or more letters or shape indicative of any relevant information, such as the manufacturer of the WCL, the product name, correct direction of application, expiration date etc. The cutouts  2040  may have shape selected from one or more alphabets, numbers, arrows or any suitable graphical objects. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL  2000  have the cutouts  2040  only without having the perforations  2020 . 
     In some embodiments, perforations of a multi-care WCL may be distributed evenly, or substantially evenly throughout the WCL. In some embodiments, perforations of a multi-care WCL may be distributed unevenly throughout the WCL, such that perforations are more concentrated in certain portion of the WCL then other portions of the WCL. In some embodiments, perforations of a multi-care WCL are concentrated in several areas of the WCL, defining clusters of perforations.  FIGS. 21A-B  illustrate a multi-care WCL  2100  having perforations  2120 . The perforations  2120  may be similar with the perforations of the multi-care WCLs described elsewhere herein other than as described below. For example, the perforations  2120  may have one or more shapes selected from a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cross, ellipse or arrow shape. As illustrated in  FIG. 21A , the perforations  2120  may be concentrated at certain area, defining clusters  2140 . In some embodiments, each cluster  2140  may include same number of the perforations  2120 . In some embodiments, the clusters  2140  may include different number of the perforations  2120 . In some embodiments, each of the clusters  2140  may have same or substantially same size and/or shape. In some embodiments, the clusters  2140  may have different size and/or shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the clusters  2140  may have a substantially same shape with each of the perforations  2120 , as shown in FIG.  21 A. In some embodiments, the clusters  2140  may have one or more shapes selected from a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cross, ellipse or arrow shape. In some embodiments, the perforations  2120  may be evenly or substantially evenly distribute within each of the clusters  2140 . 
     In some embodiments, an upper surface and/or a lower surface of a multi-care WCL may be flat except for perforations, such that the WCL have an even, flat profile when viewed from side. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a multi-care WCLs may be raised, or otherwise non-flatly shaped, such that the WCL have an uneven or non-flat profile when viewed from side.  FIGS. 22A-E  illustrate a multi-care WCL  2200  having raised structures  2220 . As shown in  FIG. 22D , each of the raised structures  2220  may be formed on a base layer  2240  which has substantially flat planar profile. In some embodiments, the WCL  2200  may have the raised structures  2200  on both sides of the base layer  2240 . In some embodiments, the WCL  2200  may have the raised structures  2200  in one side of the base layer  2240 . As shown in  FIGS. 22B and 22D , each of the raised structures include a perforation  2222  and one or more walls  2224  surrounding the perforation  2222 . In some embodiments, the one or more walls  2224  may extend from the base layer  2240  at right angle, such that the raised structure  2220  may have a constant width along its height. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 22D , the walls  2224  may be angled, such that the raised structure  2220  may be tapered toward the opening for the perforation  2222 . The tapered raised structures  2220  may allow the WCL for better depth penetration into the wound. 
     In some embodiments, the WCL  2200  may have a width and/or a length between 1 cm-30 cm, 2 cm-25 cm, 3 cm-20 cm, 5 cm-15 cm, 7.5 cm-12 cm, or 9 cm-11 cm. In some embodiments, the WCL  2200  may have same length and height. The base layer  2240  may have enough thickness such that the base layer  2240  may have enough cohesiveness to prevent tearing or excessive deformation. In some embodiments, the base layer  2240  may have a thickness of 0.5 mm or greater, 1 mm or greater, 1.5 mm or greater, 1.7 mm or greater, 1.9 mm or greater, or 2 mm or greater. The raised structure  2220  may have enough height such that the raised structure  2220  may be pliable while providing the needed volume of the WCL  2200 . In some embodiments, the raised structure may have a height of 0.5 mm or greater, 1 mm or greater, 1.3 mm or greater, 1.4 mm or greater, 1.5 mm or greater. The volume of the WCL  2200  may be between 10000-50000 mm 3 , 20000-40000 mm 3 , 25000-35000 mm 3 , or 25000-30000 mm 3 . The perforations  2222  may have a diameter of 0.5 mm or greater, 1 mm or greater, 1.5 mm or greater, 1.7 mm or greater, 1.9 mm or greater, or 2 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the raised structures  2220  may be closely located to one another such that there is substantially no gap among the raised structures  2220 , such that the pressure is distributed throughout the WCL  2200  evenly. In some embodiments, the WCL  2200  may include 500-1500 holes, 600-1400 holes, 700-1300 holes, 800-1200 holes, or 900-1000 holes. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care WCL may include perforations with the same shape but in different orientations. For example, a multi-care WCL may include a first plurality of perforations and a second plurality of perforations which have the same shape with the first plurality of perforations but have a different orientation, for example 45 degrees rotated.  FIGS. 23A-C  illustrate a multi-care WCLs  2300   a  and  2300   b .  FIGS. 23B-C  illustrate a close-up of the WCLs  2300   a  and  2300   b  respectively. As shown in  FIG. 23B-C , the WCL  2300   a  include perforations  2320   a  and the WCL  2300   b  include perforations  2320   a  and  2320   b . The perforations  2320   a  and the perforations  2320   b  may have the same shape, but the perforations  2320   b  has an orientation with 45 degrees rotated from the orientation of the perforations  2320   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the perforations  2320   a  and  2320   b  have a quadrilobed shape. In some embodiments, the perforations  2320   a  and the perforations  2320   b  have a trilobed shape, a pentalobed shape, or any shapes described elsewhere herein, such as a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cross, ellipse or arrow shape. In some embodiments, the perforations  2320   b  may have an orientation with 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, or 180 degrees rotated from the orientation of the perforations  2320   a.    
       FIGS. 24A-C  illustrate a multi-care WCLs  2400   a  and  2400   b .  FIGS. 24B-C  illustrate a close-up of a portion of the WCLs  2400   a  and  2400   b  respectively. The WCLs  2400   a  and  2400   b  are similar with the WCLS  2300   a  and  2300   b  except as noted below. For example, as shown in  FIG. 24B-C , the WCL  2400   a  include perforations  2420   a  and the WCL  2400   b  include perforations  2420   a  and  2420   b . The perforations  2420   a  and the perforations  2420   b  may have the same shape, but the perforations  2420   b  has an orientation with 45 degrees rotated from the orientation of the perforations  2420   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the perforations  2420   a  and  2420   b  have a star shape. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care WCL may have more detailed three-dimensional structure than substantially flat-planar profile.  FIGS. 25A-G  illustrate a multi-care WCL  2500 . The multi-care WCL  2500  includes a plurality of base units  2540 , and the plurality of base units  2540  are connected with first connecting members  2560  and second connecting members  2580 . The WCL  2500  also includes a plurality of openings  2520 , each of which are defined by the base units  2540 , the first connecting members  2560  and the second connecting members  2580 . In the illustrated embodiment, the base units  2540  have a spheroid shape.  FIG. 25E  illustrates the base unit  2540  alone. The base unit  2540  may include a cylindrical portion  2542 , and two half-spherical portions  2544  at both ends of the cylindrical portion  2542 . However, the base unit  2540  may have any other suitable shape which can provide a uniform surface to attain even application of the WCL without risk of pressure points, and having roundness for softer feel of the WCL. As shown in  FIG. 25C , the base units  2540  are connected in a row by the second connecting members  2580  extending between the half-spherical portions  2544  of adjacent base units  2540 , and the base units  2540  of adjacent rows are connected by the first connecting members  2560 . The openings  2520  may have a substantially pentagonal or diamond shape. 
     In some embodiments, the WCL  2500  may have a width and/or a length between 1 cm-30 cm, 2 cm-25 cm, 3 cm-20 cm, 5 cm-15 cm, 7.5 cm-12 cm, or 9 cm-11 cm. In some embodiments, the WCL  2500  may have the same length and height. The base unit  2540  may have enough thickness such that the base unit  2540  may have enough cohesiveness to prevent tearing or excessive deformation. In some embodiments, the base unit  2540  may have a thickness or diameter of 1 mm or greater, 3 mm or greater, 4 mm or greater, or 5 mm or greater. The connecting members  2560  and  2580  may have enough thickness to provide connection between the base units  2540  without risk for tearing, while allowing added flexibility. Further, the connecting members  2560  and/or  2580  may be configured such that they can be cut to cut the WCL to a desired shape and/or size. The connecting members  2560  and/or  2580  may have a thickness or diameter of 0.5 mm or greater, 1 mm or greater, 1.3 mm or greater, 1.5 mm or greater, 1.7 mm or greater, 1.9 mm or greater, 2 mm or greater, 2.5 mm or greater, 3 mm or greater, or 3.5 mm or greater. The volume of the WCL  2500  may be between 10000-50000 mm 3 , 20000-40000 mm 3 , 25000-35000 mm 3 , or 25000-30000 mm 3 . The openings  2520  may have a diameter of 0.5 mm or greater, 1 mm or greater, 1.5 mm or greater, 1.7 mm or greater, 1.9 mm or greater, or 2 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the WCL  2200  may include 100-1000 openings, 150-700 openings, 150-600 openings, 200-500 openings, 300-400 openings. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-care WCL may have varying thickness across its width and/or length. For example, a multi-care WCL may have a corrugated shape and have a plurality of tops/ridges where the multi-care WCL has greater thickness and a plurality of valleys where the multi-care WCL has lesser thickness.  FIG. 26  is a photograph of an embodiment of a multi-care WCL  2600  having fingers  2620 , that extend from the multi-care WCL  2600 , and valleys  2640  formed between the fingers  2620 . The corrugated shape of the multi-care WCL  2600  may allow transmission of wound fluid more easily, for example, through the valleys  2640 . Even though perforations or openings are not shown in  FIG. 26 , the multi-care WCL  2600  may include a plurality of openings or perforations. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings or perforations are formed at the valleys  2640 . 
     In some embodiments, the fingers  2620  can extend at least about 1 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 3 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 5 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 7.5 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 10 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 12.5 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 25 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 17.5 mm from the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 20 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , at least about 25 mm from the surface of the multi-care WCL  2600 , or more than 25 mm. 
     Method of Treating a Wound 
     Some preferred embodiments described herein the specification provide a method of treating a wound or locus. The method of treating a wound or locus may comprise positioning a wound contact layer in contact with the wound. The wound contact layer may comprise a flexible, biocompatible layer having an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness there between and an array of holes extending at least partially through the thickness. The flexible, biocompatible layer may comprise an elastomeric composition, and a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles that are embedded in the flexible, biocompatible layer. The flexible, biocompatible layer may preferably further comprise a hydrophilic polymer. The fluid-absorbent particles can be configured to swell upon contact with fluid. Each of the fluid-absorbent particles may comprise a crosslinked polymer and an iodine-based antimicrobial agent, and may release the iodine-based antimicrobial agent upon the plurality of fluid-absorbent particles coming into contact with fluid from the wound. The wound contact layer may comprise a multi-care WCL such as disclosed above or disclosed elsewhere herein the specification, made from a therapeutic composition such as disclosed above or disclosed elsewhere herein the specification. 
     A method of treating a wound or locus may further comprise sizing the wound contact layer to a size of the wound before positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the wound. Sizing the wound contact layer may comprise cutting the wound contact layer to match the size of the wound. The wound contact layer can be positioned in contact with the wound with an adhesive adhered to the lower surface of the wound contact layer. 
     A method of treating a wound or locus may further comprise, after positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the wound, separately positioning a secondary wound dressing over the wound contact layer and adhering the secondary wound dressing to skin surrounding the wound. Alternatively, the wound contact layer can be integrated into a wound dressing comprising a transmission layer and/or absorbent layer over the multi-care wound contact layer and a cover layer over the transmission layer and/or absorbent layer. The wound contact layer may have a perimeter shape that is substantially the same as or, alternatively, smaller than a perimeter shape of the cover layer. 
     Some preferable embodiments described herein the specification provide a method to treat a wound or locus. Such a method may include placing a multi-care WCL, either separately or by placing a multi-layered wound dressing having a multi-care WCL, over the wound. The method may comprise adhering the separate multi-care WCL and/or the multi-layer wound dressing having a multi-care WCL to healthy skin around the wound. The method may further comprise one or more of the following steps: A further wound dressing can be placed over the separate multi-care WCL or multi-layered wound dressing having the multi-care WCL that is placed over the wound. Wound exudate, or any moist or aqueous medium other than wound exudate, may be provided to reach and/or touch the multi-care WCL. Wound exudate, or any moist or aqueous medium other than wound exudate may be diffused or wicked into the wound dressing incorporating the multi-care WCL or into a wound dressing provided over the multi-care WCL. Negative pressure may be applied to the separate multi-care WCL or multi-layered wound dressing having the multi-care WCL, as described in the following “Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Systems” section or described elsewhere herein the specification, such that wound exudate is suctioned into the multi-care WCL directly, or into the wound dressing incorporating the multi-care WCL, or into a wound dressing provided over the multi-care WCL. 
     The method of treating a wound or locus as described above or described elsewhere herein may further comprise delivering negative pressure through the wound contact layer to the wound, as described in the following “Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Systems” section or described elsewhere herein the specification. The wound contact layer may substantially maintain the negative pressure delivered for at least about 24 hours, or for at least about 48 hours, or preferably for at least about 72 hours. Alternatively, the method of treating a wound or locus may comprise applying compression (positive) pressure through the wound contact layer to the wound. Alternatively, the method of treating a wound or locus may comprise altering ambient pressure, negative pressure and compression pressure in a programmable manner through the wound contact layer to the wound. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the method of treating a wound or locus may comprise using the wound contact layer, or the wound treatment system or wound dressing that comprises the wound contact layer, under ambient conditions not in connection with a negative pressure wound therapy system as described above, or described elsewhere herein. 
     In some embodiments, a method of treating a wound or locus may reduce the wound bioburden, for example, at least in vitro, by reducing the numbers (CFU/mL) of viable microorganisms within the first 4 hours after the application wound contact layer, or by four log or more after 48 through 72 hours after positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the microorganisms. 
     Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Systems 
     It will be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are generally applicable to, but not limited to, use in topical negative pressure (“TNP”) therapy systems. Briefly, negative pressure wound therapy assists in the closure and healing of many forms of “hard to heal” wounds by reducing tissue oedema; encouraging blood flow and granular tissue formation; removing excess exudate and may reduce bacterial load (and thus infection risk). In addition, the therapy allows for less disturbance of a wound leading to more rapid healing. TNP therapy systems may also assist on the healing of surgically closed wounds by removing fluid and by helping to stabilize the tissue in the apposed position of closure. A further beneficial use of TNP therapy can be found in grafts and flaps where removal of excess fluid is important and close proximity of the graft to tissue is required in order to ensure tissue viability. 
     As is used herein, reduced or negative pressure levels, such as −X mmHg, represent pressure levels relative to normal ambient atmospheric pressure, which can correspond to 760 mmHg (or 1 atm, 29.93 inHg, 101.325 kPa, 14.696 psi, etc.). Accordingly, a negative pressure value of −X mmHg reflects absolute pressure that is X mmHg below 760 mmHg or, in other words, an absolute pressure of (760-X) mmHg. In addition, negative pressure that is “less” or “smaller” than X mmHg corresponds to pressure that is closer to atmospheric pressure (e.g., −40 mmHg is less than −60 mmHg). Negative pressure that is “more” or “greater” than −X mmHg corresponds to pressure that is further from atmospheric pressure (e.g., −80 mmHg is more than −60 mmHg). In some embodiments, local ambient atmospheric pressure is used as a reference point, and such local atmospheric pressure may not necessarily be, for example, 760 mmHg. 
     The negative pressure range for some embodiments of the present disclosure can be approximately −80 mmHg, or between about −20 mmHg and −200 mmHg. Note that these pressures are relative to normal ambient atmospheric pressure, which can be 760 mmHg. Thus, −200 mmHg would be about 560 mmHg in practical terms. In some embodiments, the pressure range can be between about −40 mmHg and −150 mmHg. Alternatively, a pressure range of up to −75 mmHg, up to −80 mmHg or over −80 mmHg can be used. Also in other embodiments a pressure range of below −75 mmHg can be used. Alternatively, a pressure range of over approximately −100 mmHg, or even −150 mmHg, can be supplied by the negative pressure apparatus. 
     In some embodiments of wound closure devices described herein, increased wound contraction can lead to increased tissue expansion in the surrounding wound tissue. This effect may be increased by varying the force applied to the tissue, for example by varying the negative pressure applied to the wound over time, possibly in conjunction with increased tensile forces applied to the wound via embodiments of the wound closure devices. In some embodiments, negative pressure may be varied over time for example using a sinusoidal wave, square wave, or in synchronization with one or more patient physiological indices (e.g., heartbeat). Examples of such applications where additional disclosure relating to the preceding may be found include U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,955, titled “Wound treatment apparatus and method,” issued on Aug. 7, 2012; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,894, titled “Wound cleansing apparatus with stress,” issued Jul. 13, 2010. The disclosures of both of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     Embodiments of the wound dressings, wound dressing components, wound treatment apparatuses and methods described herein may also be used in combination or in addition to those described in International Application No. PCT/IB2013/001469, filed May 22, 2013, published as WO 2013/175306 A2 on Nov. 28, 2013, titled “APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY,” International Application No. PCT/IB2013/002060, filed on Jul. 31, 2013, published as WO2014/020440, entitled “WOUND DRESSING,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Embodiments of the wound dressings, wound treatment apparatuses and methods described herein may also be used in combination or in addition to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,061,095, titled “WOUND DRESSING AND METHOD OF USE,” issued on Jun. 23, 2015; and U.S. Application Publication No. 2016/0339158, titled “FLUIDIC CONNECTOR FOR NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY,” published on Nov. 24, 2016, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, including further details relating to embodiments of wound dressings, the wound dressing components and principles, and the materials used for the wound dressings. 
     Additionally, some embodiments related to TNP wound treatment comprising a wound dressing in combination with a pump or associated electronics described herein may also be used in combination or in addition to those described in International Publication No. WO 2016/174048 A1, entitled “REDUCED PRESSURE APPARATUSES”, published on Nov. 3, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some of these embodiments, the pump or associate electronic components may be integrated into the wound dressing to provide a single article to be applied to the wound. 
     Multi-Layered Wound Dressings for NPWT 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a negative pressure wound therapy system  700 . The system includes a wound cavity  710  covered by a wound dressing  720 , which can be a dressing according to any of the examples described herein. The dressing  720  can be positioned on or inside the wound cavity  710  and further seal the wound cavity so that negative pressure can be maintained in the wound cavity. For example, a film layer of the wound dressing  720  can provide substantially fluid impermeable seal over the wound cavity  710 . In some embodiments, a wound filler, such as a layer of foam or gauze, may be utilized to pack the wound. The wound filler may include a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. For example, in a traditional negative pressure wound therapy system utilizing foam or gauze, such as the Smith &amp; Nephew RENASYS Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System utilizing foam (RENASYS-F) or gauze (RENASYS-G), the foam or gauze may be supplemented with a multi-care WCL layer as described above. When supplementing a foam or gauze layer or other wound packing material, the multi-care WCL layer may either be separately inserted into the wound or may be pre-attached with the wound packing material for insertion into the wound. 
     A single or multi lumen tube or conduit  740  connects the wound dressing  720  with a negative pressure device  750  configured to supply reduced pressure. The negative pressure device  750  includes a negative pressure source. The negative pressure device  750  can be a canisterless device (meaning that exudate is collected in the wound dressing and/or is transferred via the tube  740  for collection to another location). In some embodiments, the negative pressure device  750  can be configured to include or support a canister. Additionally, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the negative pressure device  750  can be fully or partially embedded in, mounted to, or supported by the wound dressing  720 . 
     The conduit  740  can be any suitable article configured to provide at least a substantially sealed fluid flow path or pathway between the negative pressure device  750  and the wound cavity  710  so as to supply reduced pressure to the wound cavity. The conduit  740  can be formed from polyurethane, PVC, nylon, polyethylene, silicone, or any other suitable rigid or flexible material. In some embodiments, the wound dressing  720  can have a port configured to receive an end of the conduit  740 . For example, a port can include a hole in the film layer. In some embodiments, the conduit  740  can otherwise pass through and/or under a film layer of the wound dressing  720  to supply reduced pressure to the wound cavity  710  so as to maintain a desired level of reduced pressure in the wound cavity. In some embodiments, at least a part of the conduit  740  is integral with or attached to the wound dressing  720 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of a negative pressure wound treatment system  10  employing a wound dressing  100  in conjunction with a fluidic connector  110 . Additional examples related to negative pressure wound treatment comprising a wound dressing in combination with a pump as described herein may also be used in combination or in addition to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,061,095, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Here, the fluidic connector  110  may comprise an elongate conduit, more preferably a bridge  120  having a proximal end  130  and a distal end  140 , and an applicator  180  at the distal end  140  of the bridge  120 . The system  10  may include a source of negative pressure such as a pump or negative pressure unit  150  capable of supplying negative pressure. The pump may comprise a canister or other container for the storage of wound exudates and other fluids that may be removed from the wound. A canister or container may also be provided separate from the pump. In some embodiments, the pump  150  can be a canisterless pump such as the PICO™ pump, as sold by Smith &amp; Nephew. The pump  150  may be connected to the bridge  120  via a tube, or the pump  150  may be connected directly to the bridge  120 . In use, the dressing  100  is placed over a suitably-prepared wound, which may in some cases be filled with a wound packing material such as foam or gauze as described above. The applicator  180  of the fluidic connector  110  has a sealing surface that is placed over an aperture in the dressing  100  and is sealed to the top surface of the dressing  100 . Either before, during, or after connection of the fluidic connector  110  to the dressing  100 , the pump  150  is connected via the tube to the coupling  160 , or is connected directly to the bridge  120 . The pump is then activated, thereby supplying negative pressure to the wound. Application of negative pressure may be applied until a desired level of healing of the wound is achieved. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the fluidic connector  110  preferably comprises an enlarged distal end, or head  140  that is in fluidic communication with the dressing  100  as will be described in further detail below. In one embodiment, the enlarged distal end has a round or circular shape. The head  140  is illustrated here as being positioned near an edge of the dressing  100 , but may also be positioned at any location on the dressing. For example, some embodiments may provide for a centrally or off-centered location not on or near an edge or corner of the dressing  100 . In some embodiments, the dressing  10  may comprise two or more fluidic connectors  110 , each comprising one or more heads  140 , in fluidic communication therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the head  140  may measure 30 mm along its widest edge. The head  140  forms at least in part the applicator  180 , described above, that is configured to seal against a top surface of the wound dressing. 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross-section through a wound dressing  100  similar to the wound dressing  10  as described in International Patent Publication WO2013175306 A2, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, along with fluidic connector  110 . The wound dressing  100 , which can alternatively be any wound dressing embodiment disclosed herein or any combination of features of any number of wound dressing embodiments disclosed herein, can be located over a wound site to be treated. The dressing  100  may be placed as to form a sealed cavity over the wound site. In a preferred embodiment, the dressing  100  comprises a top or cover layer, or backing layer  220  attached to an optional wound contact layer  222 , both of which are described in greater detail below. These two layers  220 ,  222  are preferably joined or sealed together so as to define an interior space or chamber. This interior space or chamber may comprise additional structures that may be adapted to distribute or transmit negative pressure, store wound exudate and other fluids removed from the wound, and other functions which will be explained in greater detail below. Examples of such structures, described below, include a transmission layer  226  and an absorbent layer  221 . 
     As used herein the upper layer, top layer, or layer above refers to a layer furthest from the surface of the skin or wound while the dressing is in use and positioned over the wound. Accordingly, the lower surface, lower layer, bottom layer, or layer below refers to the layer that is closest to the surface of the skin or wound while the dressing is in use and positioned over the wound. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the wound contact layer  222  can be a polyurethane layer or polyethylene layer or other flexible layer which is perforated, for example via a hot pin process, laser ablation process, ultrasound process or in some other way or otherwise made permeable to liquid and gas. The wound contact layer  222  has a lower surface  224  and an upper surface  223 . The perforations  225  preferably comprise through holes in the wound contact layer  222  which enable fluid to flow through the layer  222 . The wound contact layer  222  helps prevent tissue ingrowth into the other material of the wound dressing. Preferably, the perforations are small enough to meet this requirement while still allowing fluid to flow therethrough. For example, perforations formed as slits or holes having a size ranging from 0.025 mm to 1.2 mm are considered small enough to help prevent tissue ingrowth into the wound dressing while allowing wound exudate to flow into the dressing. In some configurations, the wound contact layer  222  may help maintain the integrity of the entire dressing  100  while also creating an air tight seal around the absorbent pad in order to maintain negative pressure at the wound. 
     Some embodiments of the wound contact layer  222  may also act as a carrier for an optional lower and upper adhesive layer (not shown). For example, a lower pressure sensitive adhesive may be provided on the lower surface  224  of the wound dressing  100  whilst an upper pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be provided on the upper surface  223  of the wound contact layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive, which may be a silicone, hot melt, hydrocolloid or acrylic based adhesive or other such adhesives, may be formed on both sides or optionally on a selected one or none of the sides of the wound contact layer. When a lower pressure sensitive adhesive layer is utilized may be helpful to adhere the wound dressing  100  to the skin around a wound site. In some embodiments, the wound contact layer may comprise perforated polyurethane film. The lower surface of the film may be provided with a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive and the upper surface may be provided with an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, which may help the dressing maintain its integrity. In some embodiments, a polyurethane film layer may be provided with an adhesive layer on both its upper surface and lower surface, and all three layers may be perforated together. 
     A transmission layer  226  can be located above the wound contact layer  222 . In some embodiments, the transmission layer can be a porous material. As used herein the transmission layer can be referred to as a spacer layer and the terms can be used interchangeably to refer to the same component described herein. This transmission layer  226  allows transmission of fluid including liquid and gas away from a wound site into upper layers of the wound dressing. In particular, the transmission layer  226  preferably ensures that an open-air channel can be maintained to communicate negative pressure over the wound area even when the absorbent layer has absorbed substantial amounts of exudates. The layer  226  should preferably remain open under the typical pressures that will be applied during negative pressure wound therapy as described above, so that the whole wound site sees an equalized negative pressure. The layer  226  may be formed of a material having a three-dimensional structure. For example, a knitted or woven spacer fabric (for example Baltex 7970 weft knitted polyester) or a non-woven fabric could be used. The three-dimensional material can comprise a 3D spacer fabric material similar to the material described in International Publication WO 2013/175306 A2 and International Publication WO2014/020440, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     In certain embodiments, the wound dressing  100  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  100  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will also understand that the multi-care WCL may be incorporated as a whole component layer or a part of a component layer. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the transmission layer  226 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided above the wound contact layer  222 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may replace the transmission layer  226 , such that the multi-care WCL layer is provided between an absorbent layer  221  (described further below) and the wound contact layer  222 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer can supplement or replace the absorbent layer  221 . In some embodiments, the wound dressing  100  does not have the wound contact layer  222 , and the multi-care WCL layer may be the lowermost layer of the wound dressing  100 . The multi-care WCL may have same or substantially similar size and shape with the transmission layer  226  and/or the absorbent layer  221 . 
     The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to be flexible but stiff enough to withstand negative pressure, such that the multi-care WCL is not collapsed excessively and thereby transmits negative pressure sufficiently to the wound when negative pressure is supplied to the wound dressing  100 . The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to include sufficient number or size of pores to enable transmission of negative pressure through it. Further, the multi-care WCL layer may have suitable thickness to transmit enough negative pressure to the wound. For example, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, or 1 mm to 7 mm, or 1.5 mm to 7 mm, or 1.5 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the layer  221  of absorbent material is provided above the transmission layer  226 . The absorbent material, which can comprise a foam or non-woven natural or synthetic material, and which may optionally comprise a super-absorbent material, forms a reservoir for fluid, particularly liquid, removed from the wound site. In some embodiments, the layer  221  may also aid in drawing fluids towards the backing layer  220 . 
     The material of the absorbent layer  221  may also prevent liquid collected in the wound dressing  100  from flowing freely within the dressing, and preferably acts so as to contain any liquid collected within the dressing. The absorbent layer  221  also helps distribute fluid throughout the layer via a wicking action so that fluid is drawn from the wound site and stored throughout the absorbent layer. This helps prevent agglomeration in areas of the absorbent layer. The capacity of the absorbent material must be sufficient to manage the exudates flow rate of a wound when negative pressure is applied. Since in use the absorbent layer experiences negative pressures the material of the absorbent layer is chosen to absorb liquid under such circumstances. A number of materials exist that are able to absorb liquid when under negative pressure, for example superabsorber material. The absorbent layer  221  may typically be manufactured from ALLEVYN™ foam, Freudenberg 114-224-4 or ChemPosite™ 11C-450. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  221  may comprise a composite comprising superabsorbent powder, fibrous material such as cellulose, and bonding fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the composite is an air-laid, thermally-bonded composite. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  221  is a layer of non-woven cellulose fibers having super-absorbent material in the form of dry particles dispersed throughout. Use of the cellulose fibers introduces fast wicking elements which help quickly and evenly distribute liquid taken up by the dressing. The juxtaposition of multiple strand-like fibers leads to strong capillary action in the fibrous pad which helps distribute liquid. In this way, the super-absorbent material is efficiently supplied with liquid. The wicking action also assists in bringing liquid into contact with the upper cover layer to aid increase transpiration rates of the dressing. 
     An aperture, hole, or orifice  227  is preferably provided in the backing layer  220  to allow a negative pressure to be applied to the dressing  100 . The fluidic connector  110  is preferably attached or sealed to the top of the backing layer  220  over the orifice  227  made into the dressing  100 , and communicates negative pressure through the orifice  227 . A length of tubing may be coupled at a first end to the fluidic connector  110  and at a second end to a pump unit (not shown) to allow fluids to be pumped out of the dressing. Where the fluidic connector is adhered to the top layer of the wound dressing, a length of tubing may be coupled at a first end of the fluidic connector such that the tubing, or conduit, extends away from the fluidic connector parallel or substantially to the top surface of the dressing. The fluidic connector  110  may be adhered and sealed to the backing layer  220  using an adhesive such as an acrylic, cyanoacrylate, epoxy, UV curable or hot melt adhesive. The fluidic connector  110  may be formed from a soft polymer, for example a polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a silicone or polyurethane having a hardness of 30 to 90 on the Shore A scale. In some embodiments, the fluidic connector  110  may be made from a soft or conformable material. 
     Optionally, the absorbent layer  221  includes at least one through hole  228  located so as to underlie the fluidic connector  110 . The through hole  228  may in some embodiments be the same size as the opening  227  in the backing layer, or may be bigger or smaller. As illustrated in  FIG. 2C  a single through hole can be used to produce an opening underlying the fluidic connector  110 . It will be appreciated that multiple openings could alternatively be utilized. Additionally, should more than one port be utilized according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure one or multiple openings may be made in the absorbent layer in registration with each respective fluidic connector. Although not essential to certain embodiments of the present disclosure the use of through holes in the super-absorbent layer may provide a fluid flow pathway which remains unblocked in particular when the absorbent layer is near saturation. 
     The aperture or through-hole  228  is preferably provided in the absorbent layer  221  beneath the orifice  227  such that the orifice is connected directly to the transmission layer  226  as illustrated in  FIG. 2C . This allows the negative pressure applied to the fluidic connector  110  to be communicated to the transmission layer  226  without passing through the absorbent layer  221 . This ensures that the negative pressure applied to the wound site is not inhibited by the absorbent layer as it absorbs wound exudates. In other embodiments, no aperture may be provided in the absorbent layer  221 , or alternatively a plurality of apertures underlying the orifice  227  may be provided. In further alternative embodiments, additional layers such as another transmission layer or an obscuring layer such as described with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6B  and in International Patent Publication WO2014/020440, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, may be provided over the absorbent layer  221  and beneath the backing layer  220 . 
     The backing layer  220  is preferably gas impermeable, but moisture vapor permeable, and can extend across the width of the wound dressing  100 . The backing layer  220 , which may for example be a polyurethane film (for example, Elastollan SP9109) having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, is impermeable to gas and this layer thus operates to cover the wound and to seal a wound cavity over which the wound dressing is placed. In this way, an effective chamber is made between the backing layer  220  and a wound site where a negative pressure can be established. The backing layer  220  is preferably sealed to the wound contact layer  222  in a border region around the circumference of the dressing, ensuring that no air is drawn in through the border area, for example via adhesive or welding techniques. The backing layer  220  protects the wound from external bacterial contamination (bacterial barrier) and allows liquid from wound exudates to be transferred through the layer and evaporated from the film outer surface. The backing layer  220  preferably comprises two layers; a polyurethane film and an adhesive pattern spread onto the film. The polyurethane film is preferably moisture vapor permeable and may be manufactured from a material that has an increased water transmission rate when wet. In some embodiments, the moisture vapor permeability of the backing layer increases when the backing layer becomes wet. The moisture vapor permeability of the wet backing layer may be up to about ten times more than the moisture vapor permeability of the dry backing layer. 
     The absorbent layer  221  may be of a greater area than the transmission layer  226 , such that the absorbent layer overlaps the edges of the transmission layer  226 , thereby ensuring that the transmission layer does not contact the backing layer  220 . This provides an outer channel of the absorbent layer  221  that is in direct contact with the wound contact layer  222 , which aids more rapid absorption of exudates to the absorbent layer. Furthermore, this outer channel ensures that no liquid is able to pool around the circumference of the wound cavity, which may otherwise seep through the seal around the perimeter of the dressing leading to the formation of leaks. As illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the absorbent layer  221  may define a smaller perimeter than that of the backing layer  220 , such that a boundary or border region is defined between the edge of the absorbent layer  221  and the edge of the backing layer  220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , one embodiment of the wound dressing  100  comprises an aperture  228  in the absorbent layer  221  situated underneath the fluidic connector  110 . In use, for example when negative pressure is applied to the dressing  100 , a wound facing portion of the fluidic connector may thus come into contact with the transmission layer  226 , which can thus aid in transmitting negative pressure to the wound site even when the absorbent layer  221  is filled with wound fluids. Some embodiments may have the backing layer  220  be at least partly adhered to the transmission layer  226 . In some embodiments, the aperture  228  is at least 1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the wound facing portion of the fluidic connector  11 , or the orifice  227 . 
     In particular for embodiments with a single fluidic connector  110  and through hole, it may be preferable for the fluidic connector  110  and through hole to be located in an off-center position as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . Such a location may permit the dressing  100  to be positioned onto a patient such that the fluidic connector  110  is raised in relation to the remainder of the dressing  100 . So positioned, the fluidic connector  110  and the filter  214  may be less likely to come into contact with wound fluids that could prematurely occlude the filter  214  so as to impair the transmission of negative pressure to the wound site. 
     Similar to the embodiments of wound dressings described above, some wound dressings comprise a perforated wound contact layer with silicone adhesive on the skin-contact face and acrylic adhesive on the reverse. In some embodiments, the wound contact layer may be constructed from polyurethane, polyethylene or polyester. Above this bordered layer sits a transmission layer. Above the transmission layer, sits an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can include a superabsorbent non-woven (NW) pad. The absorbent layer can over-border the transmission layer by approximately 5 mm at the perimeter. The absorbent layer can have an aperture or through-hole toward one end. The aperture can be about 10 mm in diameter. Over the transmission layer and absorbent layer lies a backing layer. The backing layer can be a high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) film, pattern coated with acrylic adhesive. The high MVTR film and wound contact layer encapsulate the transmission layer and absorbent layer, creating a perimeter border of approximately 20 mm. The backing layer can have a 10 mm aperture that overlies the aperture in the absorbent layer. Above the hole can be bonded a fluidic connector that comprises a liquid-impermeable, gas-permeable semi-permeable membrane (SPM) or filter that overlies the aforementioned apertures. 
     Multi-Layered Dressing for Use without Negative Pressure 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrates various embodiments of a wound dressing  500  that can be used for healing a wound without negative pressure.  FIG. 3E  illustrates a cross-section of the wound dressing in  FIGS. 3A-3D , which is similar to the structure of  FIG. 5C . As shown in the dressings of  FIGS. 3A-3E , the wound dressings can have multiple layers similar to the dressings described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C  except the dressings of  FIGS. 3A-E  do not include a port or fluidic connector. The wound dressings of  FIGS. 3A-E  can include a cover layer  501  and an optional wound contact layer  505  as described herein. In some embodiments, the cover layer  501  may be permeable to moisture and/or air. The wound dressing can include various layers positioned between the wound contact layer  505  and cover layer  501 . For example, the dressing can include one or more absorbent layers or one or more transmission layers as described herein with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3E , the dressing  500  includes a perforated wound contact layer  505  and a top film  501 . Further components of the wound dressing  500  include a foam layer  504 , such as a layer of polyurethane hydrocellular foam, of a suitable size to cover the recommended dimension of wounds corresponding to the particular dressing size chosen. An optional layer of activated charcoal cloth (not shown) of similar or slightly smaller dimensions than layer  504  may be provided to allow for odour control. An absorbent layer  502 , such as a layer of superabsorbent air-laid material containing cellulose fibres and a superabsorbent polyacrylate particulates, is provided over layer  504 , of dimensions slightly larger than layer  504 , and allows for an overlap of superabsorbent material and acts as leak prevention. A masking or obscuring layer  503 , such as a layer of three-dimensional knitted spacer fabric, is provided over layer  502 , providing protection from pressure, while allowing partial masking of the top surface of the superabsorber where coloured exudate would remain. In this embodiment this is of smaller dimension (in plan view) than the layer  502 , to allow for visibility of the edge of the absorbent layer, which can be used by clinicians to assess whether the dressing needs to be changed. 
     The wound dressing  500  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  500  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will also understand that the multi-care WCL may be incorporated as a whole component layer or a part of a component layer. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the cover layer  501 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided above the wound contact layer  505 . In other embodiments, the dressing  500  may not include the wound contact layer  505 , such that the multi-care WCL layer may be the lowermost layer and be configured to touch the wound surface. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the foam layer  504 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may replace the foam layer  504 . 
     As described previously herein, a multi-care WCL, may be incorporated into or used with commercially available dressings, such as ALLEVYN™ foam, ALLEVYN™ Life, ALLEVYN™ Adhesive, ALLEVYN™ Gentle Border, ALLEVYN™ Gentle, ALLEVYN™ Ag Gentle Border, ALLEVYN™ Ag Gentle, Opsite Post-Op Visible. In some embodiments, the wound dressing  500  may include the cover layer  501 , the wound contact layer  505  and the multi-care WCL layer sandwiched therebetween, similarly with the wound dressing format described previously herein relation to  FIG. 5B . In some embodiments, the wound dressing  500  may include the cover layer  501 , the absorbent layer  502 , the multi-care WCL layer below the absorbent layer  502 , and the wound contact layer  505 , similarly with the wound dressing format described previously herein relation to  FIG. 5C . 
     Further details regarding wound dressings that may be combined with or be used in addition to the embodiments described herein, are found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,877,872, issued on Jan. 30, 2018, titled “WOUND DRESSING AND METHOD OF TREATMENT,” the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, including further details relating to embodiments of wound dressings, the wound dressing components and principles, and the materials used for the wound dressings. 
     Multilayered Wound Dressing with an Integrated Source of Negative Pressure 
     In some embodiments, a source of negative pressure (such as a pump) and some or all other components of the TNP system, such as power source(s), sensor(s), connector(s), user interface component(s) (such as button(s), switch(es), speaker(s), screen(s), etc.) and the like, can be integral with the wound dressing. Additionally, some embodiments related to wound treatment comprising a wound dressing described herein may also be used in combination or in addition to those described in International Application WO 2016/174048 and International Patent Application PCT/EP2017/055225, filed on Mar. 6, 2017, entitled “WOUND TREATMENT APPARATUSES AND METHODS WITH NEGATIVE PRESSURE SOURCE INTEGRATED INTO THE WOUND DRESSING,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, including further details relating to embodiments of wound dressings, the wound dressing components and principles, and the materials used for the wound dressings and wound dressing components. 
     In some embodiments, the pump and/or other electronic components can be configured to be positioned adjacent to or next to the absorbent and/or transmission layers in the wound dressing so that the pump and/or other electronic components are still part of a single apparatus to be applied to a patient with the pump and/or other electronics positioned away from the wound site.  FIG. 4A  illustrates a wound dressing incorporating the source of negative pressure and/or other electronic components within the wound dressing.  FIG. 4A  illustrates a wound dressing  1200  with the pump and/or other electronics positioned away from the wound site. The wound dressing can include an electronics area  1261  and an absorbent area  1260 . The dressing can comprise a wound contact layer (not shown) and a moisture vapor permeable film or cover layer  1213  positioned above the contact layer and other layers of the dressing. The wound dressing layers and components of the electronics area as well as the absorbent area can be covered by one continuous cover layer  1213  as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     The electronics area  1261  can include a source of negative pressure (such as a pump) and some or all other components of the TNP system, such as power source(s), sensor(s), connector(s), user interface component(s) (such as button(s), switch(es), speaker(s), screen(s), etc.) and the like, that can be integral with the wound dressing. For example, the electronics area  1261  can include a button or switch  1211  as shown in  FIG. 4A . The button or switch  1211  can be used for operating the pump (e.g., turning the pump on/off). 
     The absorbent area  1260  can include an absorbent material  1212  and can be positioned over the wound site. The electronics area  1261  can be positioned away from the wound site, such as by being located off to the side from the absorbent area  1260 . The electronics area  1261  can be positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with the absorbent area  1260  as shown in  FIG. 4A . In some embodiments, each of the electronics area  1261  and absorbent area  1260  may be rectangular in shape and positioned adjacent to one another. 
     In some embodiments, additional layers of dressing material can be included in the electronics area  1261 , the absorbent area  1260 , or both areas. In some embodiments, the dressing can comprise one or more spacer or transmission layers and/or one or more absorbent layers positioned above the contact layer and below the wound cover layer  1213  of the dressing. 
     The dressing can comprise a multi-care WCL, as described above or described elsewhere herein, a transmission layer (not shown), an absorbent layer  1212  over the transmission layer, a moisture vapor permeable film or cover layer  1213  positioned above the wound contact layer, transmission layer, absorbent layer, or other layers of the dressing. The wound contact layer can be configured to be in contact with the wound. The wound contact layer can include an adhesive on the patient facing side for securing the dressing to the surrounding skin or on the top side for securing the wound contact layer to a cover layer or other layer of the dressing. In operation, the wound contact layer can be configured to provide unidirectional flow so as to facilitate removal of exudate from the wound while blocking or substantially preventing exudate from returning to the wound. The one or more transmission layers assist in distributing negative pressure over the wound site and facilitating transport of wound exudate and fluids into the wound dressing. In some embodiments, the transmission layer can be formed at least partially from a three-dimensional (3D) fabric. Further, an absorbent layer (such as layer  1212 ) for absorbing and retaining exudate aspirated from the wound can be utilized. In some embodiments, a superabsorbent material can be used in the absorbent layer  1212 . In some embodiments, the absorbent includes a shaped form of a superabsorber layer. The wound dressing layers of the electronics area and the absorbent layer can be covered by one continuous cover layer  1213 . In some embodiments, the cover layer can include a moisture vapor permeable material that prevents liquid exudate removed from the wound and other liquids from passing through, while allowing gases through. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates an embodiment of layers of a wound dressing with the pump and electronic components offset from the absorbent area of the dressing. As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the dressing can include a wound contact layer  1310  for placing in contact with the wound. Lower spacer or transmission layers  1311  and  1311 ′ are provided above the wound contact layer  1310 . In some embodiments, the transmission layer  1311  can be a separate layer from spacer layer  1311 ′ as shown in  FIG. 4B . The lower transmission layers  1311  and/or  1311 ′ can assist in distributing pressure evenly to the wound surface and/or wicking fluid away from the wound. An absorbent layer  1322  can be positioned above the lower transmission layer  1311 . A dressing layer  1351  can include cutouts or recesses  1328  for embedding the electronic components  1350  within the layer  1351 . In some embodiments, the cutouts or recesses  1328  can be sized and shaped to embed a pump  1327 , power source  1326 , and/or other electronic components. In some embodiments, the layer  1351  can include multiple spacer or transmission layers stacked together. In some embodiments, the layer  1351  can include multiple spacer or transmission layers pieced together to surround the electronic components  1350 . An upper transmission layer  1317  can be provided above the absorbent layer  1322 , layer  1351 , and/or electronic components  1350 . 
     The wound dressing  1200 ,  1300  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  1200 ,  1300  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the transmission layer  1311 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the wound contact layer  1310 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may replace the transmission layer  1311 ,  1311 ′ such that the multi-care WCL layer is provided between an absorbent layer  1322  and the wound contact layer  1310 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer can supplement or replace the absorbent layer  1212 ,  1322 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be the lowermost layer of the wound dressing. The multi-care WCL layer may have same or substantially similar size and shape with the transmission layers and/or the absorbent layers described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. 
     The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to be flexible but stiff enough to withstand negative pressure, such that the multi-care WCL layer is not collapsed excessively and thereby transmits negative pressure sufficiently to the wound when negative pressure is supplied to the wound dressing  1200 . The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to include sufficient number or size of pores to enable transmission of negative pressure through it. Further, the multi-care WCL layer may have suitable thickness to transmit enough negative pressure to the wound. For example, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. 
     A cover layer or backing layer  1313  can be positioned over the upper transmission layer  1317 . The backing layer  1313  can form a seal to the wound contact layer  1310  at a perimeter region enclosing the transmission layers  1311 ,  1311 ′, and  1317 , the absorbent layer  1322 , layer  1351 , and electronic components  1350 . In some embodiments, the backing layer  1313  can be a flexible sheet of material that forms and molds around the dressing components when they are applied to the wound. In other embodiments, the backing layer  1313  can be a material that is preformed or premolded to fit around the dressing components as shown in  FIG. 4B . 
     Multi-Layered Wound Dressings for NPWT with a Wrapped Around Transmission Layer 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an embodiment of a TNP wound treatment device comprising a wound dressing. As stated above, the wound dressing  400  can be any wound dressing embodiment disclosed herein or have any combination of features of any number of wound dressing embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the wound dressing  400  may be similar to a PICO single unit dressing available from Smith &amp; Nephew as described previously. Embodiments of the wound dressings, wound dressing components, wound treatment apparatuses and methods described herein may also be used in combination or in addition to those described in International Publication No. WO 2017/114745 A1, published Jul. 6, 2017, titled “NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY APPARATUS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The dressing  400  may be placed over a wound, and a port  460  (which together with conduit  401  may form a fluidic connector as described with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C ) may be used to provide negative pressure from a vacuum source to the wound. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5A  the dressing  400  may be provided with at least a portion of the conduit  401  pre-attached to the port  460 . For example, the port/conduit combination may be a flexible suction adapter as described herein with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C . In some embodiments, the pre-attached conduit  401  can connect to a conduit extension, for example, a tubing (not shown). Preferably, the dressing  400  is provided as a single article with all wound dressing elements (including the port  460  and conduit  401 ) pre-attached and integrated into a single unit. The wound dressing  400  may then be connected, via the conduit  401  and/or conduit extension, to a source of negative pressure such as the pump as described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
     The cover layer  430 ,  320 , which can be more clearly seen in  FIG. 5B-5C , can be formed of substantially fluid impermeable material, such as film. The cover layer  430 ,  320  can be similar to the cover layer or backing layer described in  FIGS. 2A-2C  previously. The film may be transparent, such that from the top view of  FIG. 5A , other layers underneath the cover layer are also visible. The cover layer can include an adhesive for securing the dressing to the surrounding skin or a wound contact layer. The dressing can utilize a wound contact layer  440 ,  322  and an absorbent layer  450 ,  321  within the dressing. The wound contact layer and the absorbent layer can be similar to the wound contact layer and absorbent layers described in  FIGS. 2A-2C  previously. The wound contact layer can be configured to be in contact with the wound. The wound contact layer can include an adhesive on the patient facing side for securing the dressing to the surround skin or on the top side for securing the wound contact layer  440 ,  322  to a cover layer  430 ,  320  or other layer of the dressing. In operation, in some embodiments the wound contact layer can be configured to provide unidirectional flow so as to facilitate removal of exudate from the wound while blocking or substantially preventing exudate from returning to the wound. Further, an absorbent layer (such as layer  450 ,  321 ) for absorbing and retaining exudate aspirated from the wound can be utilized. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer can include an absorbent material, for example, a superabsorbent material or other absorbent material known in the art. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer can include a shaped form of a superabsorber layer with recesses or compartments for the pump, electronics, and accompanying components. In some embodiments, the wound dressing can include multiple absorbent layers. 
     The absorbent material  450  as shown in  FIG. 5A  which may be a foam or non-woven natural or synthetic material and which may optionally include or be super-absorbent material, forms a reservoir for fluid, particularly liquid, removed from the wound site and draws those fluids towards a cover layer  430 . The material of the absorbent layer can be similar to the absorbent material described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C . The material of the absorbent layer also prevents liquid collected in the wound dressing from flowing in a sloshing manner. The absorbent layer  450  also helps distribute fluid throughout the layer via a wicking action so that fluid is drawn from the wound site and stored throughout the absorbent layer. This helps prevent agglomeration in areas of the absorbent layer. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  450  is a layer of non-woven cellulose fibers having super-absorbent material in the form of dry particles dispersed throughout. Use of the cellulose fibers introduces fast wicking elements which help quickly and evenly distribute liquid taken up by the dressing. The juxtaposition of multiple strand-like fibers leads to strong capillary action in the fibrous pad which helps distribute liquid. In this way, the super-absorbent material is efficiently supplied with liquid. Also, all regions of the absorbent layer are provided with liquid. 
     The wicking action also assists in bringing liquid into contact with the upper cover layer to aid increase transpiration rates of the dressing. 
     The wicking action also assists in delivering liquid downwards towards the wound bed when exudation slows or halts. This delivery process helps maintain the transmission layer or lower spacer layer and lower wound bed region in a moist state which helps prevent crusting within the dressing (which could lead to blockage) and helps maintain an environment optimized for wound healing. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  450  may be an air-laid material. Heat fusible fibers may optionally be used to assist in holding the structure of the pad together. It will be appreciated that rather than using super-absorbing particles or in addition to such use, super-absorbing fibers may be utilized according to certain embodiments of the present invention. An example of a suitable material is the Product Chem-Posite™ 11 C available from Emerging Technologies Inc (ETi) in the USA. 
     Optionally, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent layer  450  may include synthetic stable fibers and/or bi-component stable fibers and/or natural stable fibers and/or super-absorbent fibers. Fibers in the absorbent layer may be secured together by latex bonding or thermal bonding or hydrogen bonding or a combination of any bonding technique or other securing mechanism. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer is formed by fibers which operate to lock super-absorbent particles within the absorbent layer. This helps ensure that super-absorbent particles do not move external to the absorbent layer and towards an underlying wound bed. This is particularly helpful because when negative pressure is applied there is a tendency for the absorbent pad to collapse downwards and this action would push super-absorbent particle matter into a direction towards the wound bed if they were not locked away by the fibrous structure of the absorbent layer. 
     The absorbent layer  450  may comprise a layer of multiple fibers. Preferably, the fibers are strand-like and made from cellulose, polyester, viscose or the like. Preferably, dry absorbent particles are distributed throughout the absorbent layer ready for use. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer comprises a pad of cellulose fibers and a plurality of super absorbent particles. In additional embodiments, the absorbent layer is a non-woven layer of randomly orientated cellulose fibers. 
     Super-absorber particles/fibers may be, for example, sodium polyacrylate or carbomethoxycellulose materials or the like or any material capable of absorbing many times its own weight in liquid. In some embodiments, the material can absorb more than five times its own weight of 0.9% W/W saline, etc. In some embodiments, the material can absorb more than 15 times its own weight of 0.9% W/W saline, etc. In some embodiments, the material is capable of absorbing more than 20 times its own weight of 0.9% W/W saline, etc. Preferably, the material is capable of absorbing more than 30 times its own weight of 0.9% W/W saline, etc. 
     Preferably, the particles of superabsorber are very hydrophilic and grab the fluid as it enters the dressing, swelling up on contact. An equilibrium is set up within the dressing core whereby moisture passes from the superabsorber into the dryer surrounding area and as it hits the top film the film switches and the fluid vapor starts to be transpired. A moisture gradient is established within the dressing to continually remove fluid from the wound bed and ensure the dressing does not become heavy with exudate. 
     The absorbent layer  450  can include at least one through hole. The through hole can be located so as to underlie the suction port as described with reference to  FIG. 2C . A single through hole can be used to produce an opening underlying the port  460  (not shown in  FIG. 5B ). It will be appreciated that multiple openings could alternatively be utilized. Additionally, should more than one port be utilized according to certain embodiments of the present invention one or multiple openings may be made in the super-absorbent layer in registration with each respective port. Although not essential to certain embodiments of the present invention the use of through holes in the super-absorbent layer provide a fluid flow pathway which is particularly unhindered and this is useful in certain circumstances. 
     Use of one or more through holes in the absorption layer  450  also has the advantage that during use if the absorbent layer contains a gel forming material, such as superabsorber, that material as it expands to absorb liquid, does not form a barrier through which further liquid movement and fluid movement in general cannot pass. In this way each opening in the absorbent layer provides a fluid pathway between the lower transmission or spacer layer and the upper transmission or spacer layer to the wound facing surface of the filter and then onwards into the interior of the port. 
     These layers can be covered with one layer of a film or cover layer  430 . The cover layer can include a filter that can be positioned over the absorbent layer, or a filter may be incorporated in the port  460  as described in International Application Publication No. WO 2013/175306 A2, U.S. Publication No. US2011/0282309, and U.S. Publication No. 2016/0339158 the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. As shown in  FIG. 7A  gas impermeable, but moisture vapor permeable, cover layer  430  extends across the width of the wound dressing. The cover layer may be similar to the cover layer or backing layer described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C . The cover layer  430 , which may for example be a polyurethane film (for example, Elastollan SP9109) having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, is impermeable to gas and this layer thus operates to cover the wound and to seal a wound cavity over which the wound dressing is placed. In this way an effective chamber is made between the cover layer and a wound site where a negative pressure can be established. The cover layer  430  is sealed to the wound contact layer  440  in a border region  410  around the circumference of the dressing, ensuring that no air is drawn in through the border area, for example via adhesive or welding techniques. The cover layer  430  protects the wound from external bacterial contamination (bacterial barrier) and allows liquid from wound exudates to be transferred through the layer and evaporated from the film outer surface. The cover layer  430  typically comprises two layers: a polyurethane film and an adhesive pattern spread onto the film. The polyurethane film is moisture vapor permeable and may be manufactured from a material that has an increased water transmission rate when wet. 
     The cover layer can include an aperture within the cover layer for providing fluid communication with a source of negative pressure or pump. The filter can be positioned in communication with the aperture in the wound cover  430 . The aperture in the wound cover  430  can be covered by a port  460 . In some embodiments, the port  460  connects to a conduit for communication with a negative pressure source or pump. The port  460  can include a filter  420  provided to cover the aperture in the cover layer  430 . In some embodiments, the filter  420  can be integral to the port  460 . The filter  420  can include hydrophobic material to protect the pump and/or other components from liquid exudates. The filter  420  can block fluids while permitting gases to pass through. In some embodiments, the filter can be similar to the filter or filter system described in  FIGS. 2A-2C  previously. In some embodiments, the aperture in the cover layer  430  and the port  460  provide fluid communication between the wound dressing and a pump. In some embodiments, the pump, electronics, switch and battery can be positioned at a remote location from the dressing. In some embodiments, the pump, electronics, switch and battery can be positioned on top of the first cover layer and a second filter and second cover layer can be alternative or additionally used. For example, the second filter can be constructed from antibacterial and/or antimicrobial materials so that the pump can exhaust gases into the atmosphere. The second filter can also help to reduce noise produced by the pump. 
     Negative pressure can be lost at the wound bed when free absorbent capacity remains in the dressing. This can occur because some or all of the pores in the filter are blocked with liquid or particulates. In some embodiments, solutions are utilized to allow the full capacity of the dressing absorbent layer to be utilized whilst maintaining the air path between the source of negative pressure and the wound bed. 
     In dressing embodiments that utilize a cover layer directly over the absorbent layer the dressing can have a void underneath the filter which can fill with liquid, thus blocking the filter pores and preventing air flow to the wound bed. A spacer layer or transmission layer  490  can be used to provide a fluid flow path above the absorbent layer  450  preventing the blocking of the port  460 . In some embodiments, the transmission layer  490  in the dressing can be provided above and below the absorbent layer. The transmission layer can be incompressible and maintain a path for fluid flow between the source of negative pressure and the wound bed, via the filter. In some embodiments, the transmission layer can encapsulate or wrap around the absorbent layer as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The wrapped transmission layer can provide an uninterrupted length of transmission material from the filter  420  to the wound bed. The transmission layer can traverse the length of the top surface of the absorbent layer and wrap around at least one side of the absorbent layer and traverse the length of the bottom surface (wound facing surface) of the absorbent layer. In some embodiments, the transmission layer can wrap around two sides of the absorbent layer as shown in  FIG. 5A . 
     In some embodiments, the transmission layer can be utilized to assist in distributing negative pressure over the wound site and facilitating transport of wound exudate and fluids into the wound dressing. 
     A lower portion of the transmission layer  490  of porous material can be located above the wound contact layer and below the absorbent layer and wrapped around the edges of the absorbent layer. As the transmission layer is wrapped around at least one edge of the absorbent layer, the transmission layer has an upper portion of the transmission layer that can be positioned between the cover layer and the absorbent layer. As used herein the edge of the absorbent layer or the dressing refers to the sides of the material that are substantially perpendicular to the wound surface and run along the height of the material. 
     In some embodiments, the transmission layer can be a porous layer. This spacer layer, or transmission layer  490  allows transmission of fluid including liquid and gas away from a wound site into upper layers of the wound dressing as described with reference to  FIG. 2C . In particular, the transmission layer  490  ensures that an open-air channel can be maintained to communicate negative pressure over the wound area even when the absorbent layer has absorbed substantial amounts of exudates. The layer should remain open under the typical pressures that will be applied during negative pressure wound therapy as described previously, so that the whole wound site sees an equalized negative pressure. The transmission layer  490  may be formed of a material having a three-dimensional structure. For example, a knitted or woven spacer fabric (for example Baltex 7970 weft knitted polyester) or a non-woven fabric could be used. Other materials, such as those described previously herein, could of course be utilized. 
     The wound dressing  400  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  400  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will also understand that the multi-care WCL may be incorporated as a whole component layer or a part of a component layer. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the transmission layer  490 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided above the wound contact layer  440 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may replace all or part of the transmission layer  490 , for example such that the multi-care WCL layer wraps around the edges of the absorbent layer  450  (described further below) and the wound contact layer  440 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer can supplement or replace the absorbent layer  450 . 
     The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to be flexible but stiff enough to withstand negative pressure, such that the multi-care WCL is not collapsed excessively and thereby transmits negative pressure sufficiently to the wound when negative pressure is supplied to the wound dressing  400 . The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to include sufficient number or size of pores to enable transmission of negative pressure through it. Further, the multi-care WCL layer may have suitable thickness to transmit enough negative pressure to the wound. For example, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. 
     Providing the transmission layer between the port and the absorbent layer prevents fluid or exudate removed from the wound from blocking the port and/or filter within the port. There can be some free fluid-absorbent particles in the hole of the absorbent layer positioned below the filter. The loose free particles in the hole can gel and block the hole and/or filter area. Therefore, the upper transmission layer can keep the superabsorber particles clear from the filter and allow the dressing to fill completely. In some embodiments, the transmission layer wrapped around the absorbent layer allow the port to be located at any location with respect to gravity. The transmission layer positioned above the absorbent layer can eliminate the concerns of the fluid or exudate removed from the wound from blocking the port and/or filter within the port on the section of the absorbent layer that is filled first. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , a wound dressing  300  can include a wound contact layer  322 . In some embodiments, the wound contact layer  322  can be a double-face coated (silicone-acrylic) perforated adhesive wound contact layer. A transmission layer  326   a  and absorbent layer  321  can be provided similar to the dressing described with reference to  FIG. 2C  but the transmission layer  326   a  over-borders the absorbent layer. The wound dressing  300  can include a second transmission layer  326   b  between the absorbent layer and the backing layer that over-borders the absorbent layer. The first and second transmission layers  326   a  and  326   b  can over-border the absorbent layer by 5 mm at the perimeter. This can be the reverse of the cut geometry in the dressings as described previously. In some embodiments, there is no through-hole or aperture in the absorbent layer  321  or second transmission layer  326   b . In some embodiments, the hole in the absorbent layer could be disadvantageous because it could become filled with superabsorbent particles or other material and block the filter in the standard dressing. A backing layer  320  sits over the second transmission layer  326   b  and the backing layer can include an orifice  327  that allows connection of the fluidic connector to communicate negative pressure to the dressing. In some embodiments, the first and second transmission layer  326   a ,  326   b  can include a 3D fabric. 
     The wound dressing  300  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  300  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will also understand that the multi-care WCL may be incorporated as a whole component layer or a part of a component layer. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the first transmission layer  326   a . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided above the wound contact layer  322 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may replace the first transmission layer  326   a . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer can supplement or replace the absorbent layer  321 . 
     The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to be flexible but stiff enough to withstand negative pressure, such that the multi-care WCL is not collapsed excessively and thereby transmits negative pressure sufficiently to the wound when negative pressure is supplied to the wound dressing  300 . The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to include sufficient number or size of pores to enable transmission of negative pressure through it. Further, the multi-care WCL layer may have suitable thickness to transmit enough negative pressure to the wound. For example, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. 
     Multi-Layered Wound Dressings for NPWT with an Obscuring Layer 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a cross-section through a wound dressing  2100  similar to the wound dressing of  FIGS. 2A-2C  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The wound dressing  2100 , which can alternatively be any wound dressing embodiment disclosed herein including without limitation wound dressing  110  or any combination of features of any number of wound dressing embodiments disclosed herein, can be located over a wound site to be treated. The dressing  2100  may be placed to as to form a sealed cavity over the wound site. In a preferred embodiment, the dressing  2100  comprises a backing layer  2140  attached to a wound contact layer  2102 , similar to the cover layer and wound contact layer described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C . These two layers  2140 ,  2102  are preferably joined or sealed together so as to define an interior space or chamber. This interior space or chamber may comprise additional structures that may be adapted to distribute or transmit negative pressure, store wound exudate and other fluids removed from the wound, and other functions as described herein. Examples of such structures, described below, include a transmission layer  2105  and an absorbent layer  2110 , similar to the transmission layer and absorbent layer described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
     A layer  2105  of porous material can be located above the wound contact layer  2102 . This porous layer, or transmission layer,  2105  allows transmission of fluid including liquid and gas away from a wound site into upper layers of the wound dressing. In particular, the transmission layer  2105  preferably ensures that an open-air channel can be maintained to communicate negative pressure over the wound area even when the absorbent layer has absorbed substantial amounts of exudates. The layer  2105  should preferably remain open under the typical pressures that will be applied during negative pressure wound therapy as described above, so that the whole wound site sees an equalized negative pressure. 
     In some embodiments, the layer  2105  may be formed of a material having a three-dimensional structure. For example, a knitted or woven spacer fabric (for example Baltex 7970 weft knitted polyester) or a non-woven fabric could be used. 
     A layer  2110  of absorbent material is provided above the transmission layer  2105 . The absorbent material, which comprise a foam or non-woven natural or synthetic material, and which may optionally comprise a super-absorbent material, forms a reservoir for fluid, particularly liquid, removed from the wound site. In some embodiments, the layer  2100  may also aid in drawing fluids towards the backing layer  2140 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6A , a masking or obscuring layer  2107  can be positioned beneath at least a portion of the backing layer  2140 . In some embodiments, the obscuring layer  2107  can have any of the same features, materials, or other details of any of the other embodiments of the obscuring layers disclosed herein, including but not limited to having any viewing windows or holes. Examples of wound dressings with obscuring layers and viewing windows are described in International Patent Publication WO2014/020440, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additionally, the obscuring layer  2107  can be positioned adjacent to the backing layer, or can be positioned adjacent to any other dressing layer desired. In some embodiments, the obscuring layer  2107  can be adhered to or integrally formed with the backing layer. Preferably, the obscuring layer  2107  is configured to have approximately the same size and shape as the absorbent layer  2110  so as to overlay it. As such, in these embodiments the obscuring layer  2107  will be of a smaller area than the backing layer  2140 . 
     The material of the absorbent layer  2110  may also prevent liquid collected in the wound dressing  2100  from flowing freely within the dressing, and preferably acts so as to contain any liquid collected within the absorbent layer  2110 . The absorbent layer  2110  also helps distribute fluid throughout the layer via a wicking action so that fluid is drawn from the wound site and stored throughout the absorbent layer. This helps prevent agglomeration in areas of the absorbent layer. The capacity of the absorbent material must be sufficient to manage the exudates flow rate of a wound when negative pressure is applied. Since in use the absorbent layer experiences negative pressures the material of the absorbent layer is chosen to absorb liquid under such circumstances. A number of materials exist that are able to absorb liquid when under negative pressure, for example superabsorber material. The absorbent layer  2110  may typically be manufactured from ALLEVYN™ foam, Freudenberg 114-224-4 and/or Chem-Posite™ 11C-450. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  2110  may comprise a composite comprising superabsorbent powder, fibrous material such as cellulose, and bonding fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the composite is an air-laid, thermally-bonded composite. 
     An orifice  2144  is preferably provided in the backing layer  2140  to allow a negative pressure to be applied to the dressing  2100 . A suction port  2150  is preferably attached or sealed to the top of the backing layer  2140  over an orifice  2144  made into the dressing  2100 , and communicates negative pressure through the orifice  2144 . A length of tubing may be coupled at a first end to the suction port  2150  and at a second end to a pump unit (not shown) to allow fluids to be pumped out of the dressing. The port may be adhered and sealed to the backing layer  2140  using an adhesive such as an acrylic, cyanoacrylate, epoxy, UV curable or hot melt adhesive. The port  2150  is formed from a soft polymer, for example a polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a silicone or polyurethane having a hardness of 30 to 90 on the Shore A scale. In some embodiments, the port  2150  may be made from a soft or conformable material. 
     Preferably the absorbent layer  2110  and the obscuring layer  2107  include at least one through hole  2145  located so as to underlie the port  2150 . Of course, the respective holes through these various layers  2107 ,  2140 , and  2110  may be of different sizes with respect to each other. As illustrated in  FIG. 6A  a single through hole can be used to produce an opening underlying the port  2150 . It will be appreciated that multiple openings could alternatively be utilized. Additionally, should more than one port be utilized according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure one or multiple openings may be made in the absorbent layer and the obscuring layer in registration with each respective port. Although not essential to certain embodiments of the present disclosure the use of through holes in the super-absorbent layer may provide a fluid flow pathway which remains unblocked in particular when the absorbent layer  2110  is near saturation. 
     The aperture or through-hole  2144  is preferably provided in the absorbent layer  2110  and the obscuring layer  2107  beneath the orifice  2144  such that the orifice is connected directly to the transmission layer  2105 . This allows the negative pressure applied to the port  2150  to be communicated to the transmission layer  2105  without passing through the absorbent layer  2110 . This ensures that the negative pressure applied to the wound site is not inhibited by the absorbent layer as it absorbs wound exudates. In other embodiments, no aperture may be provided in the absorbent layer  2110  and/or the obscuring layer  2107 , or alternatively a plurality of apertures underlying the orifice  2144  may be provided. 
     The backing layer  2140  is preferably gas impermeable, but moisture vapor permeable, and can extend across the width of the wound dressing  2100 . The backing layer  2140 , which may for example be a polyurethane film (for example, Elastollan SP9109) having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, is impermeable to gas and this layer thus operates to cover the wound and to seal a wound cavity over which the wound dressing is placed. In this way an effective chamber is made between the backing layer  2140  and a wound site where a negative pressure can be established. The backing layer  2140  is preferably sealed to the wound contact layer  2102  in a border region  2200  around the circumference of the dressing, ensuring that no air is drawn in through the border area, for example via adhesive or welding techniques. The backing layer  2140  protects the wound from external bacterial contamination (bacterial barrier) and allows liquid from wound exudates to be transferred through the layer and evaporated from the film outer surface. The backing layer  2140  preferably comprises two layers; a polyurethane film and an adhesive pattern spread onto the film. The polyurethane film is preferably moisture vapor permeable and may be manufactured from a material that has an increased water transmission rate when wet. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  2110  may be of a greater area than the transmission layer  2105 , such that the absorbent layer overlaps the edges of the transmission layer  2105 , thereby ensuring that the transmission layer does not contact the backing layer  2140 . This provides an outer channel  2115  of the absorbent layer  2110  that is in direct contact with the wound contact layer  2102 , which aids more rapid absorption of exudates to the absorbent layer. Furthermore, this outer channel  2115  ensures that no liquid is able to pool around the circumference of the wound cavity, which may otherwise seep through the seal around the perimeter of the dressing leading to the formation of leaks. 
     The wound dressings  2100  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  2100  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the transmission layer  2105 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided above the wound contact layer  2102 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may replace the transmission layer  2105 , such that the multi-care WCL layer is provided between an absorbent layer  2110  (described further below) and the wound contact layer  2102 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be the lowermost layer of the wound dressing  2100 . The multi-care WCL may have same or substantially similar size and shape with the transmission layer  2105  and/or the absorbent layer  2110 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer can supplement or replace the absorbent layer  2110 . 
     The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to be flexible but stiff enough to withstand negative pressure, such that the multi-care WCL is not collapsed excessively and thereby transmits negative pressure sufficiently to the wound when negative pressure is supplied to the wound dressing  2100 . The multi-care WCL layer may be constructed to include sufficient number or size of pores to enable transmission of negative pressure through it. Further, the multi-care WCL layer may have a suitable thickness to transmit enough negative pressure to the wound. For example, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a view of an embodiment of a wound dressing with a waisted portion, an obscuring layer, and viewing windows.  FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a wound dressing  1400 . The wound dressing  1400  preferably comprises a port  1406 . The port  1406  is preferably configured to be in fluid communication with a pump, and may include a tube or conduit pre-attached to the port. Alternatively, negative pressure can be supplied to the wound dressing through other suitable fluidic connectors, including but not limited to the fluidic connectors of the type described below in  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
     The wound dressing  1400  can be constructed similar to the embodiments of  FIG. 6A  above, and may comprise an absorbent material  1402  underneath or within a backing layer  1405 . Optionally, a wound contact layer and a transmission layer may also be provided as part of the wound dressing  1400  as described above with reference to  FIG. 6A . The absorbent material  1402  can contain a narrowed central or waisted portion  1408  to increase flexibility and conformability of the wound dressing to the skin surface. The backing layer  1405  may have a border region  1401  that extends beyond the periphery of the absorbent material  1402 . The backing layer  1405  may be a translucent or transparent backing layer, such that the border region  1401  created from the backing layer  1405  can be translucent or transparent. The area of the border region  1401  of the backing layer  1405  can be approximately equal around the perimeter of the entire dressing with the exception of the narrowed central portion, where the area of the border region is larger. One will recognize that the size of the border region  1401  will depend on the full dimensions of the dressing and any other design choices. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , provided at least at the top of or over the absorbent layer  1402  and under the backing layer  1405  may be an obscuring layer  1404  that optionally has one or more viewing windows  1403 . The obscuring layer  1404  may partially or completely obscure contents (such as fluids) contained within the wound dressing  1400  and/or the absorbent material (i.e., within the absorbent material  1402  or under the backing layer  1405 ). The obscuring layer may be a colored portion of the absorbent material, or may be a separate layer that covers the absorbent material. In some embodiments, the absorbent material  1402  may be hidden (partially or completely), colored, or tinted, via the obscuring layer  1404 , so as to provide cosmetic and/or aesthetic enhancements, in a similar manner to what is described above. The obscuring layer is preferably provided between the topmost backing layer  1405  and the absorbent material  1402 , although other configurations are possible. The cross-sectional view in  FIG. 6A  illustrates this arrangement with respect to the masking or obscuring layer  2107 . Other layers and other wound dressing components can be incorporated into the dressing as herein described. 
     The obscuring layer  1404  can be positioned at least partially over the absorbent material  1402 . In some embodiments, the obscuring layer  1404  can be positioned adjacent to the backing layer, or can be positioned adjacent to any other dressing layer desired. In some embodiments, the obscuring layer  1404  can be adhered to or integrally formed with the backing layer and/or the absorbent material. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the obscuring layer  1404  can have substantially the same perimeter shape and size as the absorbent material  1402 . The obscuring layer  1404  and absorbent material  1402  can be of equal size so that the entirety of the absorbent material  1402  can be obscured by the obscuring layer  1404 . The obscuring layer  1404  may allow for obscuring of wound exudate, blood, or other matter released from a wound. Further, the obscuring layer  1404  can be completely or partially opaque having cut-out viewing windows or perforations. 
     In some embodiments, the obscuring layer  1404  can help to reduce the unsightly appearance of a dressing during use, by using materials that impart partial obscuring or masking of the dressing surface. The obscuring layer  1404  in one embodiment only partially obscures the dressing, to allow clinicians to access the information they require by observing the spread of exudate across the dressing surface. The partial masking nature of this embodiment of the obscuring layer enables a skilled clinician to perceive a different color caused by exudate, blood, by-products etc. in the dressing allowing for a visual assessment and monitoring of the extent of spread across the dressing. However, since the change in color of the dressing from its clean state to a state containing exudate is only a slight change, the patient is unlikely to notice any aesthetic difference. Reducing or eliminating a visual indicator of wound exudate from a patient&#39;s wound is likely to have a positive effect on their health, reducing stress for example. 
     In some embodiments, the obscuring layer can be formed from a non-woven fabric (for example, polypropylene), and may be thermally bonded using a diamond pattern with 19% bond area. In various embodiments, the obscuring layer can be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Depending on the application, in some embodiments, a hydrophilic obscuring layer may provide added moisture vapor permeability. In some embodiments, however, hydrophobic obscuring layers may still provide sufficient moisture vapor permeability (i.e., through appropriate material selection, thickness of the obscuring layer), while also permitting better retention of dye or color in the obscuring layer. As such, dye or color may be trapped beneath the obscuring layer. In some embodiments, this may permit the obscuring layer to be colored in lighter colors or in white. In the preferred embodiment, the obscuring layer is hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the obscuring layer material can be sterilizable using ethylene oxide. Other embodiments may be sterilized using gamma irradiation, an electron beam, steam or other alternative sterilization methods. Additionally, in various embodiments the obscuring layer can colored or pigmented, e.g., in medical blue. The obscuring layer may also be constructed from multiple layers, including a colored layer laminated or fused to a stronger uncolored layer. Preferably, the obscuring layer is odorless and exhibits minimal shedding of fibers. 
     The absorbent layer  1402 , itself may be colored or tinted in some embodiments, however, so that an obscuring layer is not necessary. The dressing may optionally include a means of partially obscuring the top surface. This could also be achieved using a textile (knitted, woven, or non-woven) layer without openings, provided it still enables fluid evaporation from the absorbent structure. It could also be achieved by printing an obscuring pattern on the top film, or on the top surface of the uppermost pad component, using an appropriate ink or colored pad component (yarn, thread, coating) respectively. Another way of achieving this would be to have a completely opaque top surface, which could be temporarily opened by the clinician for inspection of the dressing state (for example through a window), and closed again without compromising the environment of the wound. Additionally,  FIG. 6B  illustrates an embodiment of the wound dressing including one or more viewing windows  1403 . The one or more viewing windows  1403  preferably extend through the obscuring layer  1404 . These viewing windows  1403  may allow visualization by a clinician or patient of the wound exudate in the absorbent material below the obscuring layer.  FIG. 6B  illustrates an array of dots (e.g., in one or more parallel rows) that can serve as viewing windows  1403  in the obscuring layer  1404  of the wound dressing. In a preferred embodiment, two or more viewing windows  1403  may be parallel with one or more sides of the dressing  1400 . In some embodiments, the one or more viewing windows may measure between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 10 mm, and even more preferably, 1 mm to 4 mm. The viewing windows  1403  may be cut through the obscuring layer  1404  or may be part of an uncolored area of the obscuring layer  1404  and therefore may allow visualization of the absorbent material  1402 . The one or more viewing windows  1403  can be arranged in a repeating pattern across the obscuring layer  1404  or can be arranged at random across the obscuring layer. Additionally, the one or more viewing windows can be a circular shape or dots. Preferably, the one or more viewing windows  1403  are configured so as to permit not only the degree of saturation, but also the progression or spread of fluid toward the fluid port  1406 , as in some embodiments, dressing performance may be adversely affected when the level of fluid has saturated the fluid proximate the port  1406 . In some embodiments, a “starburst” array of viewing windows  1403  emanating around the port  1406  may be suitable to show this progression, although of course other configurations are possible. In some embodiments, the viewing windows  1403  correspond to the area of the absorbent material  1402  that is not covered by the obscuring layer  1404 . As such, the absorbent material  1402  is directly adjacent the backing layer  1405  in this area. Since the obscuring layer  1404  acts as a partial obscuring layer, the viewing windows  1403  may be used by a clinician or other trained user to assess the spread of wound exudate throughout the dressing. In some embodiments, the viewing windows  1403  can comprise an array of dots or crescent shaped cut-outs. For example, an array of dots as viewing windows  1403  are illustrated in  FIG. 6B  in which the array of dots are arranged in an 5×2 array. Additionally, in some embodiments, the dot pattern can be distributed evenly throughout the obscuring layer and across the entire or substantially the entire surface of the obscuring layer. In some embodiments, the viewing windows  1403  may be distributed randomly throughout the obscuring layer. Preferably, the area of the obscuring layer  1404  uncovered by the one or more viewing windows  1403  is balanced to as to minimize the appearance of exudate while permitting the inspection of the dressing  1400  and/or absorbent material  1402 . In some embodiments, the area exposed by the one or more viewing windows  1403  does not exceed 20% of the area of the obscuring layer  1404 , preferably 10%, and even more preferably 5%. 
     The viewing windows  1403  may take several configurations. In some embodiments, the viewing windows  1403  may comprise an array of regularly spaced uncolored dots (holes) made into the obscuring layer  1404 . While the dots illustrated here are in a particular pattern, the dots may be arranged in different configurations, or at random. The viewing windows  1403  are preferably configured so as to permit a patient or caregiver to ascertain the status of the absorbent layer, in particular to determine its saturation level, as well as the color of the exudate (e.g., whether excessive blood is present). By having one or more viewing windows, the status of the absorbent layer can be determined in an unobtrusive manner that is not aesthetically unpleasing to a patient. Because a large portion of the absorbent layer may be obscured, the total amount of exudate may therefore be hidden. As such, the status and saturation level of the absorbent layer  1402  may therefore present a more discreet external appearance so as to reduce patient embarrassment and visibility and thereby enhance patient comfort. In some configurations, the one or more viewing windows  1403  may be used to provide a numerical assessment of the degree of saturation of the dressing  1400 . This may be done electronically (e.g., via a digital photograph assessment), or manually. For example, the degree of saturation may be monitored by counting the number of viewing windows  1403  which may be obscured or tinted by exudate or other wound fluids. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  1402  or the obscuring layer  1404 , in particular the colored portion of the absorbent layer, may comprise (or be colored because of) the presence of an auxiliary compound. The auxiliary compound may in some embodiments be activated charcoal, which can act to absorb odors. The use of antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and other such therapeutic compounds is also possible. In some embodiments, the color may change as a function of time (e.g., to indicate when the dressing needs to be changed), if the dressing is saturated, or if the dressing has absorbed a certain amount of a harmful substance (e.g., to indicate the presence of infectious agents). In some embodiments, the one or more viewing windows  1403  may be monitored electronically, and may be used in conjunction with a computer program or system to alert a patient or physician to the saturation level of the dressing  1400 . 
     Multi-Layered Wound Dressing with a Support Layer 
       FIG. 7  shows an example of a multi-layer wound dressing  3100 . The wound dressing  3100  includes a liquid impermeable film layer  3102  located at the top of the wound dressing  3100 . In use, the film layer  3102  is the top layer of the wound dressing  3100 , most distal from a wound site. The film layer  3102  is also gas and vapour permeable to allow for evaporation of fluid or wound exudate from the wound dressing  3100 , and help prevent maceration of the wound. In this example, the film layer  3102  is formed from a polyurethane blend, though other suitable materials may include other polymeric materials, for example polyethylene, or polypropylene. 
     An absorbent layer  3108  underlies the film layer  3102 . The absorbent layer  3108  has a fibrous structure for absorbing exudate from a wound site. In this example, the absorbent layer  3108  includes superabsorbent fibres. The absorbent layer  3108  also includes other fibres. In this example, the absorbent layer includes superabsorbent fibres, viscose fibres and polyester fibres. In this example, the absorbent layer  3108  includes around 40% superabsorbent fibres, 40% viscose fibres, and 20% polyester fibres. In other examples, the absorbent layer may include around 0-50% superabsorbent fibres, 0-100% viscose fibres and 0-50% polyester fibres. Suitable superabsorbent fibres include crosslinked acrylate copolymer fibres that are partially neutralized to sodium salt however other superabsorbent fibres are available. The absorbent layer  3108  may be manufactured using a needling process in which the fibres are mechanically tangled together. In other examples, the absorbent layer  3108  may include other ratios of superabsorbent, viscose and polyester fibres. For example, the absorbent layer may include around 50% superabsorbent fibres, 35% viscose fibres and 20% polyester fibres. Alternatively, the absorbent layer may include 40% superabsorbent fibres and 60% viscose fibres. The film layer  3102  is located over the absorbent layer  3108  so that wound exudate collected in the absorbent layer  3108  can evaporate out of the wound dressing  3100  through the film layer  3102 . 
     A support layer  3106  is located between the film layer  3102  and the absorbent layer  3108 . The support layer  3106  helps to reinforce the structure of the absorbent layer  3108  and thereby reduce shrinkage of the wound dressing  3100 . The support layer  3102  also helps to provide extra mechanical strength to the film layer  3102  to reduce or prevent wrinkling of the film layer  3102  over time. The mechanical strength also reduces the chance of the dressing deforming or rolling up causing a pressure point. Aptly, the support layer  3106  is configured to have a tensile strength from 0.05 to 0.06 Nm to provide mechanical strength to the surrounding layers (e.g. the film layer  3102  and the absorbent layer  3108 ) without compromising the flexibility of the wound dressing  3100 . The support layer  3106  may have a thickness of from 50 to 150 μm. Aptly, the support layer  3106  may have a thickness of around 100 to 110 μm. 
     The wound dressing  3100  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  300  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the cover layer  3102 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the absorbent layer  3108 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be the lowermost layer of the wound dressing  3100 . The multi-care WCL may have same or substantially similar size or shape with the cover layer  3102  and/or the absorbent layer  3108 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer can supplement or replace the absorbent layer  3108 , or the absorbent layer  3108  can be loaded with fluid-absorbent particles comprising therapeutic agent or, specifically, antimicrobial agent as described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the support layer  3106  may include a net  3200  configured to reduce shrinkage of the wound dressing  3100 . Aptly, the net  3200  is configured to reduce shrinkage of the absorbent layer  3108  and/or the film layer  3102  to help reduce wrinkling of the film layer  3102 . In this example, the net  3200  has a substantially hexagonal (or honeycomb) structure  3204  including a plurality of substantially triangular shaped apertures  3202  extending therethrough. The hexagonal structure  3204  is formed from a plurality of dots (or bosses)  3206  joined by polymer strands  3208 . The dots  3206  are substantially evenly spaced with respect to each other. Each dot forms a vertex of the hexagonal pattern in the structure  3204 . Each dot  3206  is joined to six surrounding dots  3206  by polymer strands  3208 . That is, six polymer strands  3208  extend from each dot  3206  and each connect to a respective surrounding dot  3206  to form the hexagonal structure  3204  having triangular shaped apertures  3202  between the polymer strands  3208 . Each of the triangular shaped apertures  3202  may have an area A of from 0.005 to 0.32 mm 2 . This allows liquid vapour from a wound to pass freely through the apertures, whilst still providing sufficient strength to the support layer  3106 . It can also be said that the structure  3204  is a structure comprising a plurality of strands or struts that are joined to form a plurality of triangles. In this example the triangles tessellate in rows. It will be appreciated that the strands or struts may be arranged in other formations, for example squares, diamonds or rectangles with different geometries and therefore differing open areas. 
     In this example, the support layer  3106  is located directly adjacent the absorbent layer  3108 . As such, the support layer  3106  can effectively provide additional mechanical strength to fibres in the top surface of the absorbent layer  3108 . This can help prevent movement of the fibres and reduce shrinking of the absorbent layer  3108 . Aptly, the support layer  3106  is bonded to the fibres in the top surface of the absorbent layer  3108 . This can help to lock the fibres in position and prevent or reduce any movement. In this example, the support layer  3106  further includes a bonding layer for heat laminating the net  3200  to the absorbent layer  3108 . The support layer  3106  is thus heat laminated to fibres in the absorbent layer  108  via the bonding layer. 
     The bonding layer contained within the net has a lower melting temperature than the net  3200  so that the support layer  3106  can be heat laminated to the absorbent layer  3108  whilst maintaining the structure of the net  3200 . The bonding layer can be formed from a low melting point polymer, for example a low melting point ethylene-vinyl acetate, whilst the net  3200  may be formed from a high-density polyethylene, which melts at a higher temperature than the bonding layer. Other polymers having a lower melting point than the net  3200  may also be suitable. For example the bonding layer may be a separate layer or alternatively include an ethylene-acrylate or thermoplastic polyurethane based adhesive. The net  3200  and the bonding layer can be coextruded to form the support layer  3106 . Aptly, the bonding layer is extruded with a similar structural shape to the net  3200 , so that the apertures  3202  in the net  3200  are not obstructed by the bonding layer. This helps to ensure that exudate the absorbent layer  3108  can pass through the support layer and evaporate out of the wound dressing  3100  through the film layer  3102 . 
       FIGS. 9A-B  illustrate another example of a multi-layered wound dressing  3300 . The wound dressing  3300  includes a film layer  3302 , support layer  3306  and absorbent layer  3308 , the same as the film layer  3102 , support layer  3106  and absorbent layer  3108  described in relation to  FIG. 7 . The wound dressing  3300  also includes a first adhesive layer  3304 , located between the film layer  3302  and the support layer  3306 , for attaching the film layer  3302  to the support layer  3306 . The first adhesive layer  3304  is a hot melt adhesive applied to a wound facing side (underside) of the film layer  3302 . Aptly, the first adhesive layer  3304  is pattern coated onto the film layer  3302 , to include holes, so that gas and liquid vapour can pass through holes in the first adhesive layer  3304 . In other examples the film layer  3302  may be laminated (e.g. heat laminated) directly onto the support layer  3306  without the need for an adhesive layer  3304  in between. In this example, the wound dressing  3300  also includes a foam layer  3312 , which is a fluid transport layer. The foam layer  3312  is located under the absorbent layer  3306 . The foam layer  3312  acts to draw fluid away from a wound site and transport the fluid to the absorbent layer  3308 . The foam layer may be formed from an open cell polyurethane foam and other options are available, as will be recognised by those skilled in the art. 
     An adhesive web layer  3310  is located between the foam layer  3312  and the absorbent layer  3108  to adhere the foam layer  3312  to the absorbent layer  3308 . The adhesive web layer may be formed from bicomponent polypropylene/polyethylene fibres. Such bicomponent fibres are known in the art, so for brevity will not be discussed in detail. The adhesive web layer  3310  includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to allow for passage of exudate from the foam layer  3312  to the absorbent layer  3108 . 
     The wound dressing  3300  also includes a wound contact layer  3320 , which includes a perforated film  3316 . The perforated film  3316  is located under the foam layer  3312  and helps to prevent the wound dressing  3100  from attaching to the wound as the wound heals. For example, where the wound dressing  3300  includes the foam layer  3112 , the perforated film  316  can prevent new tissue from growing into cells of the foam layer  3312 . In other examples, the foam layer  3312  may not be present and the perforated film  3316  can help prevent fibres of the absorbent layer  3308  from becoming embedded in the wound. Perforations in the perforated film  3316  are aptly substantially uniformly distributed and are of suitable size to allow passage of exudate into the wound dressing  3300 , e.g. with holes having a diameter of 1-2.5 mm. The perforated film  3316  is aptly formed from polyurethane. The wound contact layer  3320  may also include an adhesive  3318  located under the perforated film  3316  (i.e. on the wound facing side of the perforated film  3316 ) for adhering the wound dressing  3300  to the skin. In this case the adhesive is silicone  3318  and is aptly spread onto the underside of the perforated film with a coat weight of around 30-200 g/m 2 . In some other examples, an additional attachment element, for example bandages, strips of tape, or compression bandages may be used to secure the wound dressing  3300  to the patient. 
     The top side of the perforated film  3316  (i.e. the side distal from the wound) may be coated with a further adhesive layer  3314 . The further adhesive layer  3314  adheres the wound contact layer  3320  to the foam layer  3312 . Aptly, the further adhesive layer  3314  may be an acrylic adhesive, though other suitable adhesives may also be used. In other examples the wound contact layer  3320  may be laminated (e.g. heat laminated) directly to the foam layer  3312 , without the need for the further adhesive layer  3314  in between. 
     The wound dressing  3300  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  3300  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided below the cover layer  3302 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided between the absorbent layer  3308  and the wound contact layer  3320 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided between the foam layer  3312  and the wound contact layer  3320 , and thus adhered to the adhesive layer  3314 . In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer can supplement or replace the absorbent layer  3308  and/or foam layer  3312 . The multi-care WCL may have same or substantially similar size or shape with the cover layer  3302  and/or the absorbent layer  3308 . 
     In another example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the film layer  3502  may have a larger surface area than the remainder of the wound dressing  3500  so that it extends further outwardly than the other layers of the wound dressing. The wound-facing (underside) of the film layer may be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive  3504  (or other suitable adhesive) for sticking the dressing to the patient around the wound periphery. The pressure sensitive adhesive  3504  may also adhere the film layer  3502  to the support layer  3506  of the wound dressing  3500 . The wound dressing may also include an absorbent layer  3508 , adhesive web layer  3510 , foam layer  3512 , further adhesive layer  3514  and wound contact layer  3520 . Each of the layers in this example may be similar to corresponding layers described above in relation to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , so for brevity will not be described again in detail. 
     In a further example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , both the wound contact layer  3620  and the film layer  3602  may extend beyond the remaining layers of the wound dressing  3600 . The wound contact layer  3620  and the film layer may be adhered together around the periphery (e.g. via an adhesive layer  3604 ), so that the remaining layers of the wound dressing are sandwiched between the wound contact layer  3620  and the film layer  3602 . In other words, the support layer  3606 , the absorbent layer  3608 , the adhesive web layer  3610 , and the foam layer  3612  may be sealed within a cavity  3622  between the film layer  3602  and the wound contact layer  3620 . In this example, a further adhesive layer  3614  adheres the foam layer  3612  to the wound contact layer  3620 , though in other examples the further adhesive layer  614  may not be required. Each of the layers in this example may be similar to corresponding layers described above in relation to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , so for brevity will not be described again in detail. 
     The wound dressing  3600  in this example may be manufactured similarly to the wound dressing  3300 , but with the film layer  3602  and the wound contact layer  3620  being laminated together around the periphery (e.g. via the adhesive layer  3604 ) to sandwich the remaining layers between the film layer  3602  and the wound contact layer  620 . Alternatively, the film layer  3602  may be directly laminated around the periphery (e.g. heat laminated) to the wound contact layer  3620 , without the need for the additional adhesive layer  3604 . 
     In similar fashion with the wound dressing  3300  described in relation to  FIGS. 9A-9B , the wound dressings  3500  and  3600  may incorporate or comprise a multi-care WCL as described herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. One of skill in the art will understand that the wound dressing  300  may incorporate any of the multi-care WCLs disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification. For example, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided between the absorbent layer and the wound contact layer. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer may be provided between the foam layer and the wound contact layer, and thus adhered to the adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the multi-care WCL layer can supplement or replace the absorbent layer  3508  and/or the foam layer  3512 . The multi-care WCL may have same or substantially similar size or shape with the cover layer, the absorbent layer and/or the foam layer  3312 . 
     Although the wound dressings  3300 ,  3500 ,  3600  have been described having several adhesive layers, one or more of these layers may not be present. For example, the perforated film itself may be formed from a hot melt adhesive material so that it can be directly heat laminated onto the foam layer, in which case the further adhesive layer may not be needed. In another example, the adhesive web layer may not be present if the foam and absorbent layers are adhered in another way. For example, the foam and absorbent layers may be directly chemically bonded together. Similarly, the first adhesive layer may not be needed. For example, if the support layer includes an adhesive material, or if the film layer itself is formed from a hot melt adhesive then the film layer and the support layer may be directly adhered together. 
     In another example, the wound dressing may be provided without the foam layer. The foam layer helps to transport exudate away from the wound. However in some cases, and depending on the severity of a wound, the absorbent layer may sufficiently draw exudate from the wound without the need for the foam layer. 
     Although in the examples described above, the support layer is heat laminated to the absorbent layer via a bonding layer, other laminating techniques may be suitable. For example, the bonding layer may include a pressure sensitive adhesive. In this case, heat may not be required to laminate the support layer and adhesive layer together. 
     Although in the example described above, the net layer has been described as having a substantially hexagonal shaped structure, other geometric structures may also be suitable. With other geometric structures, the apertures may also have different geometric shapes. 
     In another example, the wound dressing may include more than one support layer to provide support to other layers in the wound dressing. For example, a first support layer may be located between the liquid impermeable film layer and the absorbent layer, and a further support layer may be located between the absorbent layer and the fluid transport layer (foam layer). This may help to support the absorbent layer from both sides to further reduce shrinking of the absorbent layer. 
     Any of the examples described herein may be adapted for use with a negative pressure system (sometimes referred to as a reduced pressure system) including a source of negative pressure, such as a negative pressure pump. For example, the film layer may include a negative pressure interface, such as a port, to which a negative pressure supply tube may be connected. The supply tube may be connected to a negative pressure source so that, in use, the negative pressure source applies a negative pressure to the wound dressing between the film layer and the wound to help draw wound exudate away from the wound and into the absorbent layer of the dressing. 
     Terminology 
     Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described herein to provide yet further implementations. 
     Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. For example, the actual steps or order of steps taken in the disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the figure. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Although the present disclosure includes certain embodiments, examples and applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof, including embodiments which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the described embodiments, and may be defined by claims as presented herein or as presented in the future. 
     Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Likewise the term “and/or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. Further, the term “each,” as used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, can mean any subset of a set of elements to which the term “each” is applied. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. 
     Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 
     Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree. 
     Any of the embodiments described herein can be used with a canister or without a canister. Any of the dressing embodiments described herein can absorb and store wound exudate. 
     The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the description of certain embodiments and may be defined by the claims. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. 
     Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Certain embodiments of the disclosure are encompassed in the claim set listed below or presented in the future. 
     Certain embodiments of the disclosure are encompassed in the claims presented at the end of this specification, or in other claims presented at a later date. Additional embodiments are encompassed in the following set of numbered embodiments: 
     Embodiment 1. A therapeutic composition, comprising:
         an elastomeric composition;   a hydrophilic polymer; and   a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles that are configured to swell upon contact with fluid, the fluid-absorbent particles comprising a crosslinked polymer and a therapeutic agent.       

     Embodiment 2. The therapeutic composition of Embodiment 1, wherein the elastomeric composition comprises between about 10% and about 90%, preferably between about 30% and about 70% by weight of the composition. 
     Embodiment 3. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the elastomeric composition comprises one or more silicones. 
     Embodiment 4. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the elastomeric composition comprises a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. 
     Embodiment 5. The therapeutic composition of Embodiment 4, wherein the elastomeric composition comprises an addition curing RTV silicone, made from a mixture of at least one elastomeric composition base and at least one curing agent. 
     Embodiment 6. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the hydrophilic polymer comprises a polyethylene glycol (PEG). 
     Embodiment 7. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the PEG comprises an average molecular weight in the range from about 200 to about 1,000 g/mole. 
     Embodiment 8. The therapeutic composition of any one of Embodiments 6-7, wherein the PEG comprises 20% or less by weight of the composition. 
     Embodiment 9. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the crosslinked polymer comprises a crosslinked polysaccharide. 
     Embodiment 10. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fluid-absorbent particles comprise spherical beads. 
     Embodiment 11. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fluid-absorbent particles comprise a diameter of less than 1 mm, preferably between 100 and 800 μm. 
     Embodiment 12. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fluid-absorbent particles comprise between about 30% and about 90%, preferably between about 50% and about 60%, by weight of the composition. 
     Embodiment 13. The therapeutic composition of any one of Embodiments 1-11, wherein the fluid-absorbent particles comprise preferably between about 50% and about 63% by volume of the composition. 
     Embodiment 14. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises an iodine-based antimicrobial agent. 
     Embodiment 15. The therapeutic composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fluid-absorbent particles comprise cadexomer iodine. 
     Embodiment 16. The therapeutic composition of Embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the iodine-based antimicrobial agent comprises between 0.1% and 5%, preferably less than 2% by weight of the fluid-absorbent particles. 
     Embodiment 17. A wound contact layer made from the therapeutic composition of any one of the previous embodiments. 
     Embodiment 18. A wound dressing comprising a layer made from the therapeutic composition of any one of Embodiments 1-16. 
     Embodiment 19. A multi-care wound contact layer, comprising:
         a flexible, biocompatible layer having an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness there between and an array of holes extending at least partially through the thickness, the layer comprising an elastomeric composition and a hydrophilic polymer; and   a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles embedded in the flexible, biocompatible layer that are configured to swell upon contact with fluid, each of the fluid-absorbent particles comprising a crosslinked polymer and a therapeutic agent.       

     Embodiment 20. The multi-care wound contact layer of Embodiment 19, wherein the flexible, biocompatible layer comprises the therapeutic composition of any one of Embodiments 1-16. 
     Embodiment 21. The multi-care wound contact layer of Embodiment 19, wherein the elastomeric composition comprises one or more silicones and the hydrophilic polymer comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG). 
     Embodiment 22. The multi-care wound contact layer of Embodiment 19 or 21, wherein the flexible, biocompatible layer comprises, by weight:
         10-90%, preferably 30-70% elastomeric composition;   1-20% hydrophilic polymer; and   30-90%, preferably 50-60% fluid-absorbent particles.       

     Embodiment 23. The multi-care wound contact layer of Embodiment 19, 21 or 22, wherein the fluid-absorbent particles each comprise between 0.1% and 5%, preferably less than 2% by weight iodine-based antimicrobial agent. 
     Embodiment 24. The multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-23, wherein the array of holes has a shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal and any other polygonal shape. 
     Embodiment 25. The multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-24, wherein the size of the holes, based on a diameter, a length of a side, or a longest diagonal of the holes, is at least 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 to 3.5 mm, or between 1 to 3 mm. 
     Embodiment 26. The multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-25, wherein the flexible, biocompatible layer space comprises a network of internal walls having a wall width defining the space between adjacent holes in the range between 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 to 3.5 mm, or between 1 to 3 mm. 
     Embodiment 27. The multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-26, wherein the holes are square and sized between 1 to 3 mm, and wherein the space between any two adjacent holes is between 1 to 3 mm. 
     Embodiment 28. The multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-26, wherein the holes are circular and sized between 1 to 3 mm, and wherein the space between any two adjacent holes is between 1 to 3 mm. 
     Embodiment 29. The multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-26, wherein the holes are hexagonal and sized between 1 to 3 mm, and wherein the space between any two adjacent holes is between 1 to 3 mm. 
     Embodiment 30. The multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-29, wherein the thickness is in the range of 1 to 10 mm, or 1 to 7 mm, preferably 1.5 to 7 mm, or 1.5 to 4 mm, or 2 to 3 mm, or approximately 2 mm. 
     Embodiment 31. The multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-30, wherein the holes extend through the upper and lower surfaces and are substantially the same size and shape on both the upper and lower surfaces. 
     Embodiment 32. A wound dressing, comprising:
         a wound contact layer comprising a multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-31;   a transmission layer and/or absorbent layer over the multi-care wound contact layer; and   a cover layer over the transmission layer and/or absorbent layer.       

     Embodiment 33. The wound dressing of Embodiment 32, further comprising an adhesive layer on the lower surface of the multi-care wound contact layer. 
     Embodiment 34. The wound dressing of Embodiment 32 or 33, wherein the multi-care wound contact layer has a perimeter shape that is substantially the same as a perimeter shape of the cover layer. 
     Embodiment 35. The wound dressing of Embodiment 32 or 33, wherein the multi-care wound contact layer has a perimeter shape that is smaller than a perimeter shape of the cover layer. 
     Embodiment 36. The wound dressing of any one of Embodiments 32-36, further comprising a negative pressure port positioned on or above the cover layer. 
     Embodiment 37. A wound treatment system, comprising:
         a wound contact layer comprising a multi-care wound contact layer of any one of Embodiments 19-31, the multi-care wound contact layer configured to be sized for positioning over a wound; and   a secondary wound dressing configured to be positioned over the wound contact layer.       

     Embodiment 38. The wound treatment system of Embodiment 37, wherein the secondary wound dressing is configured to form a seal to skin surrounding the wound. 
     Embodiment 39. The wound treatment system of Embodiment 37 or 38, further comprising a source of negative pressure configured to supply negative pressure through the secondary wound dressing and through the multi-care wound contact layer to the wound. 
     Embodiment 40. A method of treating a wound comprising:
         positioning a wound contact layer in contact with the wound, the wound contact layer comprising:
           a flexible, biocompatible layer having an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness there between and an array of holes extending at least partially through the thickness, the layer comprising an elastomeric composition and a hydrophilic polymer; and   a plurality of fluid-absorbent particles embedded in the flexible, biocompatible layer that are configured to swell upon contact with fluid, each of the fluid-absorbent particles comprising a crosslinked polymer and an iodine-based antimicrobial agent; and   
           releasing the iodine-based antimicrobial agent upon the plurality of fluid-absorbent particles coming into contact with fluid from the wound.       

     Embodiment 41. The method of Embodiment 40, further comprising sizing the wound contact layer to a size of the wound before positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the wound. 
     Embodiment 42. The method of Embodiment 41, wherein sizing the wound contact layer comprises cutting the wound contact layer to match the size of the wound. 
     Embodiment 43. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-42, wherein the wound contact layer is positioned in contact with the wound with an adhesive adhered to the lower surface of the wound contact layer. 
     Embodiment 44. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-43, wherein after positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the wound, separately positioning a secondary wound dressing over the wound contact layer and adhering the secondary wound dressing to skin surrounding the wound. 
     Embodiment 45. The method of any one of Embodiment 40-43, wherein the wound contact layer is integrated into a wound dressing comprising a transmission layer and/or absorbent layer over the multi-care wound contact layer and a cover layer over the transmission layer and/or absorbent layer. 
     Embodiment 46. The method of Embodiment 45, wherein the wound contact layer has a perimeter shape that is substantially the same as a perimeter shape of the cover layer. 
     Embodiment 47. The method of Embodiment 45, wherein the wound contact layer has a perimeter shape that is smaller than a perimeter shape of the cover layer. 
     Embodiment 48. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-47, further comprising delivering negative pressure through the wound contact layer to the wound, wherein the wound contact layer substantially maintains the negative pressure delivered for at least 24 hours. 
     Embodiment 49. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-48, wherein microbes in contact with the wound contact layer are reduced within 4 hours after positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the microbes. 
     Embodiment 50. The method of any one of Embodiments 40-48, wherein microbes in contact with the wound contact layer are reduced by 4 log or more after 48 through 72 hours after positioning the wound contact layer in contact with the microbes. 
     Embodiment 51. A composition comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description. 
     Embodiment 52. A wound contact layer comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description. 
     Embodiment 53. A wound dressing comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description. 
     Embodiment 54. A wound treatment system comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description. 
     Embodiment 55. A method of treating a wound comprising one or more of the features of the foregoing description.