Researchers have created a low-cost bandage that stimulates the healing of chronic wounds with an electric field. In experiments on animals, wounds treated with these electric bandages healed thirty percent quicker than wounds treated with traditional bandages.
The open-access journal Science Advances published their research, “Water-powered, electronics-free dressings that electrically stimulate wounds for rapid wound closure,” on August 7.
Chronic wounds are open wounds that heal slowly or not at all. For instance, some diabetic individuals have persistent lesions, such as sores. These wounds are very dangerous since they greatly raise the risk of amputation and death. And frequently return even after treatment.
One of the difficulties with chronic wounds is that the current alternatives for treatment are quite costly. This can put patients at further risk.
Amay Bandodkar, co-corresponding author of the work and an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at North Carolina State University said
Our goal here was to develop a far less expensive technology that accelerates healing in patients with chronic wounds,
Sam Sia, co-corresponding author of the work and professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia University said
This collaborative project shows that these lightweight bandages, which can provide electrical stimulation simply by adding water, healed wounds faster than the control, at a similar rate as bulkier and more expensive wound treatment.”
Water-powered Electronics-Free Dressings
In particular, the study team created water-powered, electronics-free dressings (WPEDs). They are single-use wound dressings with a tiny, biocompatible battery on one side and electrodes on the other.
The dressing is applied to a patient’s wound, bringing the electrodes into touch. The battery is then activated by applying a drop of water to it. The bandage creates an electromagnetic field that lasts several hours once turned on.
The electrodes’ design enables them to bend with the bandage and adjust to the surface of chronic wounds. That is frequently deeply set and asymmetrical.
Maggie Jakus, co-first author of the study and a graduate student at Columbia said
We found that the electrical stimulation from the device sped up the rate of wound closure, promoted new blood vessel formation, and reduced inflammation, all of which point to overall improved wound healing
Furthermore, the WPEDs are simple and quick to apply. Additionally, patients can move around and engage in everyday activities after applying. Patients are more likely to cooperate with treatment when receiving it at home because of this feature. Put differently, since patients don’t have to go to a clinic or stay immobile for long periods. They are less prone to skip therapy sessions or take shortcuts.
