Many people in the world have diabetes. In the United States alone, the estimated number is about 30 million people. It is estimated that between 15% and 25% of this population develops a diabetic ulcer at some point in their lives.
These ulcers tend to take a long time to heal and require close monitoring, as they can lead to various serious complications, including amputation of limbs and even death.
Scientists have created for the first time a lightweight, flexible and elastic bandage that speeds healing by applying electrotherapy directly to the wound. In addition, the bandage actively monitors the healing process.
The advance is the work of the team led by Guillermo A. Ameer, from Northwestern University in the United States.
The study authors were curious if electrical stimulation therapy could help close these persistent diabetic ulcers. Injury can disrupt the body’s normal electrical signals. It is logical to think that by applying electrical stimulation, normal body signals can be restored, attracting new cells to migrate to the wound site.
“Our body depends on electrical signals to function,” Ameer argues. “We tried to restore or promote as normal an electrical environment as possible in and around the wound. We observed that cells quickly migrated into the wound and regenerated skin tissue in the area. The new skin tissue included new blood vessels, and inflammation was reduced “.
The new bandage. (Image: Northwestern University)
In animal tests, the new bandage healed diabetic ulcers 30% faster than in mice without the bandage.
When the bandage is done, it dissolves harmlessly (including the electrodes) in the body.
The new device could be of great help for diabetic patients.
The team discusses the technical details of the new bandage in the academic journal Science Advances, under the title “Bioresorbable, wireless, and battery-free system for electrotherapy and impedance sensing at wound sites.” (Fountain: NCYT de Amazings)