A new "living bandage" could soon revolutionize how doctors treat serious injuries by accelerating the healing process, according to new research reported by SWNS.The high-tech patch was developed by researchers at Rice University in Texas.It acts like an around-the-clock mini factory, continuously delivering healing proteins directly to different types of wounds, the same source noted.Caring for chronic wounds is often a challenge for doctors, as it's difficult to deliver steady, localized signals that tell the body to repair its own tissue, the researchers said. POPULAR FRUIT MAY HELP PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN, NEW STUDY SUGGESTSThe body naturally relies on small chemical messengers called cytokines to control inflammation and healing.
However, traditional treatments like ointments or injections usually fail, as fragile proteins break down too quickly or wash away from the injury site.To solve the problem, the research team created a cell-based patch that stays on top of the wound.Inside the device, scientists placed engineered cells programmed to manufacture and secrete three specific healing cytokines, known as IL-10, IL-12 and Transforming Growth Factor-beta.A living bandage patch delivers healing proteins from engineered cells to accelerate wound healing, according to new research by American scientists.
(Jared Jones/Rice University/SWNS)These cells are safely housed inside protective material that acts like a shield — letting vital nutrients and therapeutic proteins pass through to the skin while keeping the body's immune system from attacking the engineered cells inside.The system also uses a special hydrogel that helps the patch blend naturally with the wound, SWNS reported.It may be updated eventually, the research team indicated, to work alongside electronic components.HEART ATTACK DAMAGE REVERSED WITH INJECTABLE RNA THERAPY, STUDY FINDSIn lab tests on rodents and pigs, the patch successfully accelerated wound healing.
By analyzing the genetic ...