PREVIEW

A team of researchers has developed a lightweight and inexpensive bandage that uses an electric field to promote healing in chronic wounds.

In tests on diabetic mice, wounds that were treated with these electric bandages healed 30 per cent faster than wounds treated with conventional bandages.

Moreover, researchers from North Carolina State University highlight the affordability of the bandage.

“These bandages can be produced at relatively low cost—we’re talking about a couple of dollars per dressing in overhead costs,” said Dr. Amay Bandokhar, a co-author of the study.

Chronic wounds are typically defined as open wounds that heal slowly, if at all.

For instance, sores that develop in some diabetic patients are considered chronic wounds.

Medical professionals note that these wounds are particularly challenging because they often recur after treatment, raising the risk of amputation and even death.

One major issue with chronic wounds is the high cost of existing treatments, which can burden patients further.

Dr. Bandodkar stated, “Our goal was to develop a much less expensive technology that speeds up healing in patients with chronic wounds.

“We also aimed to ensure the technology is simple enough for home use, rather than something only available in clinical settings.”

The bandage is described as a “water-powered, electronics-free dressing” (WPED) featuring electrodes on one side and a small, biocompatible battery on the other.

When applied to a patient, the electrodes make contact with the wound.

A drop of water is added to activate the battery, and once activated, the bandage generates an electric field for several hours.

Co-author Dr. Rajaram Kaveti, also from North Carolina State University, explained, “That electric field is crucial because it’s well-established that electric fields speed up healing in chronic wounds.”

The electrodes are engineered to be flexible, allowing them to conform to the surface of chronic wounds, which are often deep and irregularly shaped.

Dr. Kaveti added, “This ability to conform is vital, as we want the electric field directed from the wound’s periphery toward its center.

“To focus the electric field effectively, the electrodes must contact the patient at both the wound's periphery and center.

“And since these wounds can be asymmetrical and deep, the electrodes need to adapt to various surface features.”

To evaluate the bandages, researchers conducted tests on diabetic mice.

“We found that the electrical stimulation from the device accelerated wound closure, promoted new blood vessel formation, and reduced inflammation, all of which indicate overall improved wound healing,” said Maggie Jakus, co-first author and a graduate student at Columbia University.

The researchers now aim to test the bandages on humans to determine their effectiveness.

Dr. Bandodkar concluded, “Our next steps include refining our ability to stabilise the electric field and extend its duration.

“We are also progressing with further testing to bring us closer to clinical trials and, ultimately, to practical applications that can benefit patients.”