Scientists from the Russian Federation working at the National Research Technological University have come up with “live” bandages to treat serious burns and wounds. The invention was created under the strict guidance of Anton Monakhov, a senior researcher at the modern laboratory. A feature of biocompatible anti-burn fibers is that they themselves “dissolve” in the body and do not cause adverse reactions.
About the invention of Russian scientists
The developers reported that the composition of sterile bandages includes biodegradable nanofibers (the material used was polycaprolactone, which accelerates wound healing). Thanks to this novelty, burned skin will regenerate and recover much faster. Biologists noted that after treatment with such bandages, ugly scars do not form on the body.
The composition of the therapeutic material includes antibacterial threads, due to which the growth of epithelial cells will be accelerated at least 2 times. Biodegradable dressings can retain platelets, blood proteins, and antibacterial components. “Live” nanofibers prevent the appearance of the inflammatory process.
The novelty has already passed numerous preclinical tests, so it will soon be tested in the treatment of burns on humans. A huge plus is that during therapy, the bandage does not need to be removed, since it will “dissolve” itself in the body (when changing bandages, the skin is always damaged, in which case additional injury can be avoided).
What is a bandage made of?
Permyakova Elizaveta, a laboratory worker, said that the bandage was created due to chemical bonds. The bandage contains the main components of blood plasma:
- proteins;
- fibrinogens;
- growth factors and other components.
Synthesis of base fibers was carried out using the technique of electroforming (the product is created by electrodeposition of chemical elements with metallic properties on interchangeable molds). This was followed by plasma treatment: scientists applied a polymer layer to the threads, which contains hydroxyl and carbonyl. The resulting “live” bandage is enriched with protein and antibacterial elements.
Also, experts working at the National Research University of Technology and the University of Queensland (located in Australia) found that threads impregnated with boron and silver nitride show good results in the treatment of bacterial infections and oncology.