Researchers have developed an inexpensive bandage that uses an electric field to promote healing in chronic wounds. In animal tests, wounds treated with these electric bandages healed 30% faster than those with conventional bandages.
Their paper, “Water-powered, electronics-free dressings that electrically stimulate wounds for rapid wound closure,” was published on August 7 in Science Advances. Chronic wounds, such as diabetic sores, are particularly problematic because they heal slowly and often recur, increasing the risk of amputation and death. Existing treatments are expensive, adding financial strain on patients.
“Our goal was to develop a cheaper technology that speeds up healing for chronic wounds,” said Amay Bandodkar, co-corresponding author and assistant professor at North Carolina State University. “We also wanted it to be easy for home use.”
“This project is part of a bigger DARPA initiative to accelerate wound healing with personalized wound dressings,” said Sam Sia, co-corresponding author and professor at Columbia University.
The team developed water-powered, electronics-free dressings (WPEDs), which have electrodes on one side and a small, biocompatible battery on the other. The dressing is applied so that the electrodes contact the wound, and a drop of water activates the battery, generating an electric field for several hours.
“The electric field is crucial for accelerating healing in chronic wounds,” said Rajaram Kaveti, co-first author and post-doctoral researcher at NC State. The electrodes are designed to bend with the bandage and conform to the surface of the chronic wounds, ensuring the electric field is directed from the wound’s periphery to its center.
“We tested the dressings in diabetic mice, a common model for human wound healing,” said Maggie Jakus, co-first author and graduate student at Columbia. “We found that the electrical stimulation sped up wound closure, promoted new blood vessel formation, and reduced inflammation.”
The WPEDs not only healed wounds about 30% faster but also cost only a few dollars each. “Diabetic foot ulceration can lead to lower extremity amputations, and new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed,” said Aristidis Veves, co-author and professor of surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Center. The WPEDs can be quickly applied, allowing patients to continue their daily activities, which improves treatment compliance.
“Next steps include fine-tuning the electric field and extending its duration, as well as further testing to move closer to clinical trials,” said Bandodkar.
