Scientists develop living bandages for scar prevention

Scientists from NUST MISIS have developed “living bandages” created from nanofibers that are capable of accelerating the regeneration of damaged tissue. Findings are published in Applied Surface Science.

The therapeutic material was created with nanofibers made of polycaprolactone modified with a thin-film antibacterial and plasma from human blood. The material has shown to progress the regeneration of tissue and prevent the formation of scar tissue in burn patients.

“The solution of this medical problem was proposed by the researchers from the NUST MISIS Inorganic Nanomaterials Laboratory, led by PhD Anton Manakhov, a senior researcher," said Alevtina Chernikova, rector of NUST MISIS. "The team of scientists has managed to create multi-layer bandages made of biodegradable fibers and multifunctional bioactive nanofilms, which [the bandages] prevent scarring and accelerate tissue regeneration."

Scar tissue, which consists of collagen and reduces the functional properties of the skin, could be prevented due to the biological tissues' antibacterial effect after the introduction of nanoparticles or additional antibiotics. The increase in biological activity on the bandage area due to hydrophilic groups and the blood plasma proteins heal the tissue while the bandage in still in place. Over time, the bandage dissolves without any side effects.

“With the help of chemical bonds, we were able to create a stable layer containing blood plasma components (growth factors, fibrinogens, and other important proteins that promote cell growth) on a polycaprolactone base," said Elizabeth Permyakova, one of the project members and laboratory scientists. "The base fibers were synthesized by electroforming. Then, with the help of plasma treatment, to increase the material's hydrophilic properties, a polymer layer containing carboxyl groups was applied to the surface. The resulting layer was enriched with antibacterial and protein components."

""
Cara Livernois, News Writer

Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.

Around the web

Cardiovascular devices are more likely to be in a Class I recall than any other device type. The FDA's approval process appears to be at least partially responsible, though the agency is working to make some serious changes. We spoke to a researcher who has been tracking these data for years to learn more. 

Updated compensation data includes good news for multiple subspecialties. The new report also examines private equity's impact on employment models and how much male cardiologists earn compared to females.

When drugs are on the FDA’s shortage list, outsourcing facilities can produce their own compounded versions. When the FDA removed tirzepatide from that list with no warning, it created a considerable amount of chaos both behind the scenes and in pharmacies all over the country. 

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup