OneGroup of scientists, which works at the Federal Technical School in Zurich, developed association material without gluing. The researchers realized the new project in cooperation with their colleagues from the National University of Singapore. The wound association is intended to support blood clotting without liability at the wound. In addition, the person concerned can easily remove the material after wound healing.
Association material without gluing the new generation
This is the first time that scientists combine both properties in a material. Together, the research groups developed and tested various hydrophobic materials that, like Teflon, reject liquids such as water and blood. The main goal was to find coatings for devices that come into contact with blood. For example, this would be cardiac machines orArtificial heart valves.
One of the tested materials showed some unexpected properties: not only blood brained, but also supported the coagulation process. Although the bandage material without gluing was unsuitable for use as a coating for blood pumps and related devices, the researchers quickly realized that it would have an ideal effect on wounds.
However, the rejecting of blood and the achievement of fast blood clotting are two different properties. However, the two are a great advantage for associations. Such blood -repellent associations are therefore better for wounds and adhering to it. Later these are easy to remove and also prevent secondary bleeding.
On the other hand, substances and materials that promote coagulation are used in medicine to stop bleeding as quickly as possible. So far, however, there have been no materials that combine these two properties. So this is the first time that scientists were able to combine both properties in a material.
Absorbent association mull with antibacterial properties
Instead of being soaked in liquid, the new bandage material can look clean and antibacterial without gluing. The researchers took a conventional association mull and coated it with their new material. This is a mixture of silicone and nanofibers made of carbon. In laboratory tests, the scientific team was able to demonstrate that blood coached with the coated tissues within a few minutes.
Why the new material triggers blood clotting is still unclear and requires further examinations. However, the team suspects that this can be attributed to the interaction on the carbon nanofibers. They were also able to demonstrate that the coated gauze has an antibacterial effect, since bacteria have difficulty liability on their surface. Animal experiments on rats also showed the effectiveness of the new bandage.
Reduce the risk of infections
"With the new hydrophobic material, we can avoid that the wound is opened again when changing the association," explains Athanasios Milionis, postdoctoral in the group of Poulikacos. "The reopening of wounds is a big problem," he continues, "mainly because of the risk of infection, also due to dangerous hospital germs - a risk that is particularly high when changing the association."
The potential areas of application are enormous: they range from emergency medicine and surgery to avoid severe blood loss to paving for use at home and on the go. The ETH Zurich and the National University of Singapore have registered the new material for a patent. In the meantime, the researchers have to refine and optimize the material before it can be used by humans. The team also announced that they first have to carry out further tests on larger animals and then to human subjects in order to prove their effectiveness and harmlessness.
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