Iranian researchers from Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council (IRIC) have succeeded in producing anti-bacterial nano-fibrous coatings with the capability to cure the wounds of third-degree burns. The researchers carefully considered the biological and high anti-microbial properties of chitosan and the tendency of nano-fibers, whereby they found that when nano-fibrous coatings are applied on the cuts / deep burns - bio-chemical signals are formed in order to speed-up the treatment, and subsequently the wounds are treated much faster.The nano-coatings hydrophilic properties and high porosity ensured that they are able to take-out the core of the infection and blood originating from a wound surface. In addition, such a treatment methodology is shown to provide the recommended humidity for faster treatment / recovery on the wound surface. The specific properties due to the nano-metric arrangement of the coating enable for the scaffold to form a structure similar to that of the patterning / matrix of natural skin tissue. Thus, allowing for the nano-fibrous coating to absorb fibro-blast, and thereafter the collagen regeneration and treatment occurs at a much faster rate.
The main benefit anticipated from such research findings is the combination of the perfect biological properties of chitosan with the unique properties of the nano-fibers, and also the obtaining of a bio-compatible scaffold. The scaffold itself can be employed in the treatment of wounds caused due to cutting and/or burns (as a cell-free scaffold and/or scaffold with stem cell).
The nano-coating was shown to have anti-bacterial properties and contrary to traditional bandages it did not require the application of a lotion and/or antibiotics. Also, it was shown not to cause immunological and/or allergic responds, due to the presence of nano-metrically coated fibers made of a bio-compatible polymer. Contrary the nano-coating suggests to the body that a tissue similar to the original tissue has been placed onto the wound, and so can speed-up the creation of the bio-chemicals signals necessary for adequate treatment of the wound. Original article available here
DCN Corp finds that the above research provides a new spin on the nano-technology theranostic concept. In doing so, and if you and/or your colleagues are interested in making such a treatment methodology reality - please ensure to contact the company as soon as practicably possible.
Please Note results of the IRIC research were published in IET Nanobiotechnology 6, 4, 129-135 (2012)