Prognosis of scar development

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and Northwestern University (USA) have developed a method for predicting the formation of large scars and keloid scars using nanoparticles. The use of this approach will allow doctors to intervene in the process in a timely manner and, if possible, prevent its consequences.

In developed countries alone, approximately 100 million patients annually develop scars as a result of planned or emergency surgical interventions, as well as burns. Excessive scarring of the skin can have a serious impact on a person's quality of life, both from a physical and psychological point of view. In addition to cosmetic defects, scars can reduce joint mobility and cause painful sensations when stretched.

Doctors have in their arsenal a number of methods to prevent excessive scarring, such as applying silicone films to a healing wound that keep the wound surface flat and moist. However, today, in addition to visual examination of already formed scars, the only method for accurately determining the condition of the skin is to obtain a sample of it using a biopsy for subsequent laboratory analysis. Such biopsies can be painful and cause infectious complications, so they are not resorted to to predict the features of the scarring process.

The authors proposed using NanoFlares nanoparticles developed by them for these purposes, which look like furry balls, due to oligonucleotide chains (short DNA segments) attached to their gold-composed nuclei. These nanoparticles, whose diameter is approximately 30 nanometers, are applied to the closed wound as part of the cream and penetrate the skin to a depth of 2 mm within 24 hours. The DNA chains included in the nanoparticles selectively react with biomarkers actively expressed by cells of abnormal scar tissue, such as matrix RNA (mRNA) of connective tissue growth factor.

As a result of this binding, small fragments of the DNA chain are torn off and recorded as flashes when examining the cream-treated area of the skin using a portable fluorescent microscope. The detection of such fluorescent signals, the number of which is proportional to the activity of the scarring process, signals abnormal scarring and the need for preventive measures.

Testing of NanoFlares nanoparticles in experiments on mice and rabbits, as well as on human skin fragments, demonstrated the absence of toxicity and undesirable side effects.

Various DNA strands can be used to coat NanoFlares nanoparticles, so experts believe that this technology can be used as a non-invasive method for diagnosing and monitoring the course of various skin diseases, such as malignant neoplasms.

Evgenia Ryabtseva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of Nanyang Technological University: New nanoparticles help to detect serious scarring of wounds.