Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a low-cost, biodegradable, transparent wound-dressing film.
According to recent research, this substance, which is based on the integration of a synthetic polymer, is non-toxic and will produce a moist environment that will allow the body to mend itself using endogenous enzymes.
In comparison to similar commercial materials, the laboratory-scale development was shown to be at least 50% cheaper.
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Importance of wound-dressing materials
Wound treatment materials include cotton wool, lint, and gauzes. They’re frequently used to control wound exudates and speed up the healing process.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks of such materials is the unpleasant removal procedures, which can potentially cause damage to the healed tissue.
Minds behind the research
A team from the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Guwahati conducted research to overcome these challenges.
Aritra Das (First Author), Ph.D. Scholar; Srirupa Bhattacharyya, Doctoral Fellow, IIT Guwahati; and Prof. Chandan Das and Prof. Ramagopal VS Uppaluri, Faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, published some of the findings in the International peer-reviewed International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
Advantages of polymer-based hydrogel film being used as wound-dressing material
1) Inexpensive: In addition to their biodegradability, which protects the environment, the aforementioned films are inexpensive.
2) Crystal clear: To keep an eye on the wound without having to change the dressing. Furthermore, due to the material’s ability to create a regulated wet environment, ease of removal can be addressed. As a result, the transparent layer is easily removed.
3) Biocompatible: Prevent any toxicity that interferes with the growth and healing of cells, tissues, and natural healing processes.
4) Good Absorbent: To avoid the accumulation of wound exudate on the wound surface, which could result in the maceration of freshly formed tissue.
5) Adequate mechanical characteristics: To maintain life in the presence of a large flow of exudates and the ability to conform to the shape of the wound to avoid scar formation during the healing process.
6) Prevention from contamination: Even if the dressing material loses its occlusivity to bacteria after being swelled by a large flow of exudates, it will leak a few of its components, which will allow for a limited antibacterial activity in a hydrolytic environment.
IIT Guwahati researchers on new wound-dressing material
“This invention of IIT Guwahati has the potential to make a huge impact on the field,” said Aritra Das (First Author), Ph.D. scholar, IIT Guwahati.
“It emphasizes upon the integration of a synthetic polymer namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a natural polymer starch (St) to eventually achieve a low-cost, biodegradable, non-toxic and transparent composite hydrogel,” he added.
“The product has potential to prevent bacterial invention even after it gets swelled under hydrolytic environment and loses its occlusivity,” explains Prof. Chandan Das, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati.
