Customize hydrogel masks. Credit: University of Waterloo
Scientists have developed a clever wound dressing that uses advanced polymers for individualized treatment of burn victims. The dressing, customizable by means of 3D printing, adheres well to skin and offers time-release medication for extended relief. Possible usages also consist of consistent drug release in cancer treatment and personalized cosmetic applications.
One of the obstacles in treating burn victims is the frequency of dressing modifications, which can be extremely unpleasant.
To bring relief to this and other issues, University of Waterloo researchers have developed a brand-new kind of injury dressing material using innovative polymers. This new dressing could improve the healing procedure for burn patients and have prospective applications for drug shipment in cancer treatment along with in the cosmetic market.
Researchers have developed a clever wound dressing that utilizes sophisticated polymers for personalized treatment of burn victims. The dressing, adjustable by means of 3D printing, adheres well to skin and uses time-release medication for extended relief.” To treat burn victims, we can tailor the shape using a 3D printer, secondly, the material has fine-tuned surface area adhesion, which is a key function”, stated Dr. Boxin Zhao, a professor in Waterloos Department of Chemical Engineering, whose group has actually made considerable strides in developing smart hydrogel products for use as a multiple-use injury dressing. The dressings thermal responsiveness enables it to warm on the skin and carefully lower to space temperature. In addition, when chilled in the refrigerator, the dressing expands but diminishes to a smaller size at body temperature, making it much easier and less uncomfortable to get rid of.
” To treat burn victims, we can personalize the shape utilizing a 3D printer, second of all, the material has fine-tuned surface adhesion, which is a key function”, said Dr. Boxin Zhao, a teacher in Waterloos Department of Chemical Engineering, whose team has actually made significant strides in developing smart hydrogel materials for usage as a multiple-use wound dressing. “The material can quickly stick to the skin and be taken off. Its a really delicate balance within the material to make the adhesion work.”
In developing the dressing, the scientists carried out a 3D scan of the clients face and body parts to customize it to a persons needs. This allows the dressing to make excellent contact with surfaces like fingers and noses, making it perfect for creating personalized wound dressings for burn patients.
The product likewise has applications for cancer treatment. In conventional chemotherapy treatment, a client might require to be in a clinic for hours, which can be tiring and uncomfortable. This dressing can provide a continuous drug release outside the center setting, easing some of the difficulties associated with traditional approaches.
The dressings thermal responsiveness permits it to warm on the skin and carefully lower to room temperature. In addition, when chilled in the refrigerator, the dressing expands however diminishes to a smaller sized size at body temperature level, making it simpler and less uncomfortable to remove.
” We also picture applications in the beauty and cosmetic market,” stated Zhao, Waterloos Endowed Chair in Nanotechnology. “Cosmetologists can utilize 3D scanning technology to evaluate their clients facial functions and customize hydrogel masks infused with particular facial and skin routine items. Furthermore, this innovative technique can benefit cosmetic surgeons.”
This research study is evidence of concept for Zhaos Surface Science and Bio- nanomaterials Laboratory Group. The next action for Zhaos research group is to continue improving the materials properties to make it much healthier and commercially practical.
A research study highlighting the teams progress was just recently released in the Journal of Colloids and Interface Science.
Recommendation: “Multi-thermo responsive double network composite hydrogel for 3D printing medical hydrogel mask” by Lukas Bauman and Boxin Zhao, 6 February 2023, Journal of Colloids and Interface Science.DOI: 10.1016/ j.jcis.2023.02.021.