Cotton Candy Like Material Used to Heal Difficult Wounds
By Coxworth, Ben; Gizmag,Publication Date: May 4, 2011
Article describes a new glass nanofiber material used to treat wounds resulting from venous stasis. Venous stasis is defined as a condition caused by poor blood circulation in the extremities resulting in fluid pooling that creates pressure on the skin. It is a condition often seen in patients with diabetes. Known as DermaFuse, the material is designed to mimic the microstructure of fibrin, one of the main components of blood clots. Like fibrin, the glass fibers trap blood platelets and provide a scaffolding for the wound covering to form across. The material is also rich in calcium, which has been shown to speed healing by assisting the migration of epidermal cells to the wound site. Testing of DermaFuse was performed with 12 venous stasis patients in 2010. The material was packed into participants’ wounds, after which a protective secondary covering was added. After a few months, the wounds of 8 of the patients were fully healed, while the remaining 4 were reportedly progressing well. DermaFuse can provide a low cost treatment option to vacuum-assisted systems, which are expensive and must be carried by the patient at all times.
Published by: Gizmag Pty Ltd (Website:http://www.gizmag.com/)
Link to text: http://www.gizmag.com/cotton-candy-like-material-used-to-heal-wounds/18564/
