New Delhi: Italian researchers have developed an innovative bandage made from biodegradable materials and rich in vitamin C to help promote the healing process of burn wounds. The bandage developed by a team from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) contains zein. Contains – Protein derived from corn; Pectin – sugar found in the peel of many fruits such as apples; and soy lecithin – a substance derived from a plant with the same name. The body’s natural defense mechanism produces inflammation after a burn, causing the affected area to become red and swollen. However, excessive inflammation adversely affects oxygen free radicals. The new bandage, detailed in the journal ACS Applied BioMaterials, was found to be able to prevent increased levels of inflammation and cut the number of free radicals, allowing healing to occur. “This is one of the potential applications for this class of smart materials,” said Athanasia Athanassiou, principal investigator at IIT’s Smart Materials Unit. “We are working on other devices,” Athanassiou said. Which are able to accelerate the healing not only of burns but also of various types of wounds such as wounds or skin ulcers, deformities.” Importantly, the team said, the bandage degrades naturally within a few days, Which provides an environmentally sustainable alternative to skin patches.
