IIT Guwahati develops low-cost film for wound dressing

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, have developed a biodegradable low-cost composite transparent wound dressing film.  

The material, which is based on the integration of a synthetic polymer, is non-toxic in nature and will create a moist environment that will enable the body to heal on its own through the endogenous enzymes, according to researchers at IIT Guwahati. The laboratory-scale development was found to be at least 50 per cent economical in comparison with similar commercial materials.  

Cotton wool, lint, and gauzes are commonly used wound dressing materials. They are often deployed to manage the wound exudates and accelerate the healing process. However, a major disadvantage of such materials is with respect to the painful removal exercises that can even damage a healed tissue. Further, their opaqueness becomes a critical issue for sensitive wound applications that demand periodic visualisation based analysis and treatment procedures.  

Features of polymer-based hydrogel films as novel wound dressing materials  

Low-cost: In addition to their biodegradability that counters environmental hazards, the mentioned films are easy for people to afford them.  

Biocompatible: Prevent any kind of toxicity that counters and hampers the growth of cells, tissues and natural healing processes.  

Transparent: To provide wound observation without changing the dressing materials. Further, ease of removal can be addressed due to the controlled moist environment being facilitated by the material. Thus, the transparent film can be easily removed.  

Super absorbent: To prevent wound exudate accumulation on the wound surface which may lead to the maceration of the newly generated tissue.  

Adequate mechanical characteristics: To provide existence under a huge flow of exudates and ability to adjust with the shape of the wound to prevent scar formation in due course of healing. 

Prevention from contamination: Even if the dressing material loses its occlusivity to bacteria after being swollen under huge flow of exudates, the material would leach few of its components that facilitate localised antibacterial effect in a hydrolytic environment.  

Explaining how the invention will have an impact in the real world, Prof Chandan Das from the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “The product has potential to prevent bacterial infention even after it gets swelled under hydrolytic environment and loses its occlusivity. The steady weight loss characteristics presented by the polymer network provides essential release of the components, especially citric acid which secure the protection barrier. Apart from providing adequate environment towards the growth of the wounded cells, the leached components from the composite as well assist towards the accelerated growth of the healthy cells and tissues.” 

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