Nanocolloid Patch

Scientists have developed a "3D patch" for wound healing

Natalia Safronova, "Scientific Russia"

Scientists at ITMO University and the University of Toronto have created a material made of gelatin and cellulose, which is able to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and accelerate the healing process of wounds. In the future, it may become the basis for gel wound healing dressings. The article was published in the journal Chemistry of materials (Chekini et al., Nanocolloidal Hydrogel with Sensing and Antibacterial Activities Governed by Iron Ion Sequestration).

Each use of antibiotics leads to the development of "immunity" in the surviving bacteria. They multiply and turn into superbugs, which are extremely difficult to destroy. They can cause complications in the human body, so researchers around the world are looking for new ways to protect against infections that are not associated with the use of general or local antibiotics. This is especially important for the treatment and healing of wounds. If serious damage is not properly treated, the probability of large-scale infection increases significantly. 

"Wound-healing dressings should have antibacterial properties, so as not to provoke a focus of inflammation at least. Now there is a general trend in the world to reduce the consumption of classical antibacterial drugs due to the acquisition of antibiotic resistance by bacteria. We have proposed an alternative way to solve this problem," says Associate Professor of the Chemical and Biological Cluster at ITMO University Elena Koshel.

Scientists from ITMO University and the University of Toronto proposed using biomaterials to create wound-healing dressings as part of the megagrant. They managed to obtain a hydrogel that simultaneously solves three tasks: promotes wound healing, resists the proliferation of bacteria and signals the need to replace the bandage.

The developed material is based on modified nanocrystalline cellulose and gelatin. The components are connected by a special chemical crosslinking method for a strong connection between each other. The use of cellulose and gelatin makes it possible to create a layer that protects the wound and at the same time forms a favorable environment for natural wound healing. Moreover, thanks to the soft and moist texture of the resulting gel, when changing the bandage, the skin will not be injured.

"Due to the fact that cellulose is able to absorb iron ions, which are also nutrients for the development of bacteria, the new material prevents the development of infection. And due to its modification with carbon nanotubes, we obtained optical activity: when exposed to the gel with ultraviolet light, we can see a glow in the blue range of the spectrum. If the dressing has not yet completely exhausted the possibility of ion sorption, the doctor will receive an optical response, and if the cellulose is completely covered with ions, such an answer will not follow," explained the associate professor of the Chemical and Biological Cluster of ITMO University Elena Krivoshapkina.

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