A foam association of biodegradable plastic could make it easier to treat chronic wounds in the future. Researchers around Prarthana Patil from the US Vanderbilt University presented the new wound foam in the specialist magazine "Science Translational Medicine". The hydrophilic (water-loving) foam association consists of the plastic polythieticurethane and is slowly absorbed by the surrounding tissue.
The scientists initially tested their wound foam on pigs: compared to other synthetic or animal tissue -based materials, the wounds healed equally or even better. In addition, the foam association started particularly well -harmful oxygen compounds from the wound area. These oxygen radicals are used by the body's immune cells to defend infectious pathogens, but interfere with healing in larger quantities.
Biological association materials are often made of animal support tissue. These associations have already been used successfully in patients with diabetic foot syndrome. However, they are expensive and complex in the production. Biomaterials from synthetic polyester, on the other hand, can be produced cheaper and adapted to the molecular level if necessary. If the absorbable wound foam works similarly in humans, it could be an effective treatment alternative to conventional associations.
Chronic wounds affect up to 1.8 million people in Germany alone. Above all, preloaded people with diabetes, strong overweight or vascular diseases are affected. The treatment of chronic wounds is lengthy and complex. If it does not strike or does not fail, there is, among other things, the risk of blood poisoning.
