Innovative, biodegradable dressing that treats and soothes wounds
The PAS Center of Polymer and Carbon Materials in Zabrze and the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice have created a wound dressing for the 21st century. It accelerates wound healing, reduces the risk of scarring and does not need to be changed. The invention was awarded in the "Eureka! DGP" competition.
The dressing is used in treating hard-to-heal wounds. It is supposed to accelerate tissue regeneration by improving the body’s healing processes. The material also reduces the formation of scar tissue and the risk of potential complications.
Technology and nature
Scientists have developed a special polymer nanofiber, which at the same time protects the wound and gives it room to "breathe". Propolis, with its antimicrobial properties that have positive impact on wound healing, was used as an active substance. It not only eases the pain, promotes regeneration but also demonstrates an anti-inflammatory effect.
"By using biodegradable polyesters with specified composition and microstructure, we can affect the biodegradation time of the dressing. It is possible to adjust the wound recovery rate with controlled release of the drug. This is a step towards personalized medicine"- says Mateusz Stojko member of Prof. Janusz Kasperczyk’s team that has been developing biodegradable polyesters at the PAS Center of Polymer and Carbon Materials for years.
Only advantages
The innovative wound dressing material is absorbed when the wound is fully healed. Dressings of this type are particularly effective in treating bed sores and burns. They ensure better healing results as they do not slip. Dressings that maintain the desired position speed up the repair process. This is of particular importance in the case of severe burns, where the longer the healing process will take, the greater the risk of scarring. In turn, the end result of treatment (i.e. better scar condition), improves patient comfort. Before the invention reaches the market, it needs to undergo clinical trials.
About competition
"Eureka! DGP” competition supports inventors based in Polish universities and scientific institutes. It has been held annually since 2013 by Dziennik Gazeta Prawna (a Polish legal and business daily newspaper). In this edition, among others, eco-friendly food packaging made of red algae, as well as an innovative fiber-optic cable (useful in the construction of modern lasers) were awarded.
Source of information: eureka.dziennik.pl, PAS Center of Polymer and Carbon Materials in Zabrze
Electron microscope images of nonwovens: PAS Center of Polymer and Carbon Materials in Zabrze
