Friday, October 20, 2023
Individuals with diabetes often encounter complications in the healing of wounds, primarily due to compromised natural healing mechanisms. This can lead to the development of chronic, slow-healing wounds, which, in severe cases, may even necessitate amputation. In response to this urgent global healthcare challenge, a team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has introduced a groundbreaking magnetic gel for wound healing. This innovative gel offers the potential to expedite the recovery of diabetic wounds, decrease the likelihood of recurrence, and ultimately reduce the need for limb amputations.
The treatment process involves the application of a bandage infused with a hydrogel containing skin-healing cells and magnetic particles. To optimize the therapeutic outcome, an external wireless magnetic device is employed to activate skin cells and accelerate the wound-healing process. The recommended duration of magnetic stimulation typically ranges from one to two hours.
Promising results emerged from laboratory tests, demonstrating that this combined treatment with magnetic stimulation facilitated the healing of diabetic wounds at a rate approximately three times faster than traditional methods. Furthermore, while the primary focus of this research has been on diabetic foot ulcers, the technology holds potential for addressing a broad spectrum of complex wounds, including burn injuries.
Currently, the global population of individuals living with diabetes exceeds half a billion, and this number is anticipated to grow significantly in the coming years. Chronic diabetic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers, represent a significant healthcare challenge worldwide, being both prevalent and challenging to treat. It's important to note that while skin cells are constantly subjected to mechanical forces through daily activities, individuals with wounds are often advised to limit strenuous activities such as walking, which can, unfortunately, hinder the healing process by depriving remaining cells of essential stimuli.
Source: prnewswire.com
