A team of scientists from Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI), led by Candidate of Biological Sciences Ekaterina Litvinova, is studying the properties of biogel in its various modifications. This product is promising for use in various fields, including medicine. Among the new developments are bandages based on modified chitosan, which has antiseptic properties and promotes rapid wound healing.
"The wound healing and hemostatic properties of chitosan have been known for a long time. We use a gel made of modified chitosan, which has a porous structure and better absorbent properties than an unmodified product. Wound dressings have a pronounced therapeutic effect and contribute to the cleaning and healing of shallow wounds. The active ingredients in the gel cleanse wounds from infection. They are convenient to use in the field, since dry components are stored for a long time, and they can be activated immediately before use," Ekaterina Litvinova said.
The bandage itself is a dense, pre-dried sponge. If it is dipped into the solution, it becomes more elastic, soft and does not injure the skin when applied. In addition, the porous structure of the biogel allows the skin to breathe. It is recommended to pre-soak the bandage in an antiseptic solution (preparations based on iodine, chlorhexidine or furacilin, etc.), and then apply. If the wound is bleeding heavily, then the bandage should be used dry to absorb the liquid. It can be fixed with any patch or bandage.
"The bandage first absorbs excess fluid, dries, and then gives out a healing drug (delivers therapeutic drugs of synthetic and natural origin to the wound). That is, the first layer of biogel absorbs moisture, its pores expand and open channels for the second layer, which was preloaded with drugs for tissue healing and repair. We are currently testing bandages with bacteriophages. Bacteriophage is an antimicrobial drug of natural origin, it is difficult to fix it in a wound, and due to the porous structure of modified chitosan, it will last longer and prevent the development of bacterial infections in the wound," Ekaterina Litvinova added.
Bandages can be used in surgery to close wounds after surgery and accelerate the healing process, in dentistry — during implantation, when a blood clot is forming, so that wound healing and tissue repair can proceed faster. At the moment, scientists are working on the technology of manufacturing bandages, they plan to issue a patent and register the development as a medical device.
The project to study the properties of biogel in its various modifications is included in the biomedical direction of the Priority 2030 program, implemented at NSTU-NETI, and has broad prospects for use in industrial and domestic conditions, as well as for the needs of medicine, animal husbandry and crop production.