Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have developed a self-powered bandage that generates an electric field over an injury and dramatically reduce the healing time for skin wounds.
Although our skin tends to heal by itself, but to deal with chronic skin wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers and non-healing surgical wounds, scientists have developed this bandage which could help wounds heal four times faster.
The electronic device was tested on rats that had a cut on their backs. With every breath, electrical pulse was generated in them, which resulted in skin-healing cells, known as fibroblasts, to flock to the injured area. This resulted in better production of collagen and new skin cells.
Researchers found that e-bandages accelerated the healing process. Wounds covered by e-bandages healed within 3 days; however it took 12 days for a control bandage with no electric field.
Best part is, the bandage is safe to use, as the rodents didn’t show any side effects or any signs of being in pain or uncomfortable.
