PREVIEW

Researchers have developed a lightweight, low-cost bandage that uses an electric field to accelerate healing in chronic wounds. In experiments with diabetic mice, wounds treated with the electric bandages healed 30% faster than those treated with traditional bandages. Moreover, researchers from North Carolina State University highlight the affordability of the bandage, which costs just a few dollars per dressing. Chronic wounds, like those in diabetic patients, heal slowly and are prone to recurrence, leading to serious complications. Current treatments are expensive, adding to the patient's burden. Dr. Amay Bandodkar highlighted the team's goal to create a more affordable and user-friendly solution that speeds up healing and can be used at home. The bandage, termed a "water-powered, electronics-free dressing" (WPED), features flexible electrodes on one side and a small, biocompatible battery on the other. When a drop of water is added, the battery activates, generating an electric field for several hours, which is crucial for promoting healing. The flexible electrodes can conform to the irregular shapes of chronic wounds, directing the electric field effectively from the wound's edges to its center. Testing on diabetic mice showed that the bandage accelerated wound closure, encouraged blood vessel formation, and reduced inflammation, all signs of improved healing. The researchers now plan to test the bandages on humans and refine the technology for clinical use, aiming to stabilise and extend the electric field's duration for practical patient applications.