New Delhi, June 30: Researchers from a central higher education institution have developed an innovative smart wound dressing. This dressing not only prevents infections but also reduces pain during dressing changes and promotes faster healing. The technology was created by researchers at NIT Rourkela.
The dressing features a nanofiber layer infused with turmeric (curcumin), known for its natural antimicrobial properties. This layer is placed between the wound and the gauze, minimizing direct contact and reducing tissue damage during dressing changes. The curcumin-infused nanofiber gradually delivers medication to the wound, ensuring a sustained release over time. This technique helps maintain a clean and infection-resistant environment around the wound, reducing the need for frequent dressing changes and additional medications.
Patients with injuries requiring frequent dressing changes often face pain and discomfort each time. This new dressing, developed by Prof. Prasun Kumar from the Biotechnology and Medical Engineering Department at NIT Rourkela, addresses this critical issue. Cotton gauze bandages are commonly used for wound dressing due to their affordability, excellent fluid absorption, and ease of use. They are widely employed for blood, wound exudate, and ointment application.
However, traditional cotton gauze dressings do not effectively prevent infections or alleviate patient discomfort. They tend to stick to the wound surface, causing damage to newly formed tissue and increasing the risk of infection. To overcome these limitations, researchers at NIT Rourkela have integrated chitosan-coated cotton gauze with an electrospun nanofiber layer to create a smart cotton gauze dressing.
Discussing the developed smart dressing, Prof. Prasun Kumar stated, “Laboratory tests have shown that our dressing adheres less to wounds compared to standard cotton gauze. The controlled and continuous release of curcumin from the nanofiber layer provides antibacterial protection while supporting cell growth and tissue regeneration.”
Key features of the developed smart dressing include reduced pain during frequent dressing changes and minimal damage to newly formed tissues. The nanofiber layer significantly aids in cell growth and tissue regeneration, ensuring antibacterial protection through the controlled release of curcumin.
According to the researchers, this dressing maintains a clean and infection-resistant environment around the wound. Regarding the cost, Prof. Kumar noted that a standard 10-centimeter wide and 4-meter long cotton gauze bandage roll costs about 30 rupees. In contrast, the estimated cost of the advanced smart dressing at a commercial scale would be around 50-60 rupees. The findings of this research have been published in the prestigious journal, Emerging Materials.
Co-authors of the research paper include Prof. Prasun Kumar, Prof. Devendra Verma (Associate Professor), Prof. Eiru Banoth (Assistant Professor), and researchers Swagatika Barik, Rika Rani Pradhan, Shikha Tripathi, and Samadrita Roy from the Biotechnology and Medical Engineering Department at NIT Rourkela.
Experts believe this research marks a significant step towards the advancement of medical treatments. The research team plans to apply for a patent for this developed technology and explore potential collaborations with the industry for clinical trials.
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