An international research team, which included scientists from ITMO University of St. Petersburg and the University of Toronto, has developed a unique wound healing patch. It can combat, among other things, the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
According to the press service of ITMO University, the secret of the patch is in a material specially developed for it: it is modified nanocrystalline cellulose and gelatin. Such different substances bind to each other by chemical crosslinking.
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As a result, a layer is obtained that protects the wound on the one hand, and on the other, creates an environment for natural wound healing. In structure, the substance is gel-like, so when changing the bandage you can not be afraid of skin damage.
Cellulose is responsible for the antibacterial component in the material. The fact is that it absorbs iron ions, namely they are nutrients for the development of the bacterium. Thus, the further development of the infection stops.
Most importantly, the new substance does not use antibiotics. Despite all their benefits in the fight against bacteria, with each use of antibiotics, some microorganisms survive. In the future, they turn into superbacteria – their peculiarity is that they are resistant to antibiotics that were applied to first-generation bacteria.
With innovative material, such a problem does not arise, bacteria simply do not have the opportunity to reproduce and die naturally. And in the body there is a process of wound healing.
Moreover, the doctor has the opportunity to observe the process. The fact is that carbon nanocells are added to the substance. When the material is exposed to ultraviolet light, the nanocells begin to glow. But if the period of use of the bandage comes to an end, then there will be no glow. This is a signal to the doctor that it’s time to make a dressing.
The results of scientific development are published in the journal Chemistry of materials.
