Electric healing

The simplest electric bandage speeds up wound healing four times

Daria Berdnikova, Hi-tech+

The gadget is so cheap to produce that inventors from the University of Wisconsin at Madison did not expect a revolution from it. However, it turned out that with this device, recovery is reduced from two weeks to three days.

The device is superimposed on the wound and works from the energy of the patient's body. This was achieved thanks to nanogenerators located around the torso, according to the published study.

The natural movements of the chest provide low-intensity electrical impulses, which the device delivers via wires to the wound.

"We were surprised by such a rapid recovery," says study author Xudong Wang. "We understood that the device would promote healing, but it exceeded our expectations."

Stimulation with the help of the bracelet was sufficient to help fibroblasts, connective tissue cells, tighten the wound. However, scientists have yet to figure out the mechanism of healing.

Doctors have known for several decades about the beneficial effect of electricity on skin wounds. A way to speed up recovery is still used today, but such procedures can lead to premature aging of the skin or to oncological diseases. Another limitation is the large size of the devices for such therapy and the risk of damaging the skin.

"Our device is as convenient as any bracelet," says Professor Xudong. Another advantage of the invention is its low price, he emphasizes.

While the experiments have been conducted only with mice, the researchers intend to repeat them on pig skin.

Scientists are trying different ways to speed up wound healing. They are experimenting not only with smart patches, but also with cold plasma, hydrogel and sugar foam.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru