Next generation biomaterial that can be used as dressing in medicine, cosmetology and veterinary, has been developed by scientists at Gdańsk University of Technology. The material won a gold medal at the Moscow exhibition of innovation "ARCHIMEDES - 2013".
Dressings have antimicrobial action. They look like a sponge, or have form of a hydrogel.
According to Gdańsk University of Technology press office, innovative biomaterial will be used mainly as a dressing for hard to heal skin wounds, especially those infected with Staphylococcus aureus.
"In addition to dressings that support wound and scar healing, our material can be used in cooling and warming materials, cosmetic masks, materials that mitigate the effects of insect bites and sunburn, and even as cosmetic pads" - said team leader, Grzegorz Gorczyca, PhD student at the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology.
According to Gdańsk University of Technology representatives, distinctive properties of the biopolymer material include antioxidativity, high absorbency and provides a moist wound healing environment. It also absorbs odours well and may inhibit bleeding faster than other dressings. Researchers from Gdańsk University of Technology point to that the fact that the dressings are very absorbent: 1 g of biopolymer would be sufficient to bind up to 50 g of wound exudate.
The material was developed based on natural polymers: chitosan (derivative of chitin, which is found in exoskeletons of arthropods), collagen (common in vertebrates) and gelatine, making its production inexpensive. The raw material of 12x12x4cm of material is estimated at about 4 cents (about 12 groszy).
Manufacturing technology of these materials is protected by patent, and in the near future it is expected to be extended in international procedure.
During this year\'s ARCHIMEDES fair, exhibitors from 20 countries presented more than 1,000 inventions and innovative technologies. The international jury awarded the Polish inventors and scientists 15 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals as well as special awards. The inventions were evaluated in 40 categories.
Read more about the dressing material in PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland here.
PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland
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