A new type of bandage developed by scientists at North Carolina State University could significantly improve how chronic wounds heal. This bandage uses an electric field to speed up the healing process and is much cheaper than other treatments.
The electric bandages have shown promising results in tests on animals. They help wounds heal about 30% faster than traditional bandages. This is a big advantage because current treatments for chronic wounds can be very expensive, making it hard for many people to get the care they need.
Amay Bandodkar, one of the researchers, says the aim was to create an affordable technology that speeds up healing. The technology is also easy for patients to use at home. The team designed water-powered, electronics-free dressings, or WPEDs. These single-use bandages have a tiny, biocompatible battery on one side and electrodes on the other.
When a drop of water touches the bandage, it activates the battery and creates an electric field. This electric field helps the wound heal faster for several hours. Rajaram Kaveti, another researcher, explains that electric fields boost healing in chronic wounds.
The electrodes in the bandages are flexible, allowing them to fit the shape of the wound, which is often uneven and deep. This flexibility ensures that the electric field is directed properly from the wound’s edge to its center.
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In tests, researchers used diabetic mice, a common model for human wound healing. The WPEDs helped these mice heal about 30% faster compared to regular bandages. The electric bandages also encouraged the growth of new blood vessels and reduced inflammation, improving overall wound healing.
WPEDs are easy to apply and allow patients to use them at home, so they can continue their daily activities without frequent clinic visits. This convenience makes it more likely that patients will stick to their treatment plan, leading to better outcomes in managing chronic wounds.