Electric bandage holds promise for treating chronic wounds

Researchers have recently developed a groundbreaking, cost-effective bandage that leverages an electric field to significantly improve the healing process of chronic wounds. Animal studies have shown that wounds treated with these electric bandages heal 30% faster compared to those treated with traditional bandages.

Chronic wounds are persistent open sores that heal slowly, if at all. A notable example includes ulcers that develop in patients with diabetes. These types of wounds pose significant health risks, including a heightened likelihood of amputation and increased mortality rates. One of the key challenges in treating chronic wounds is the prohibitive cost of existing therapies, which can add further strain to patients already dealing with serious health issues.

Dr. Amay Bandodkar, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at North Carolina State University and co-corresponding author of the study, emphasized the importance of creating a more affordable solution that can accelerate the healing of chronic wounds. “We aimed to develop a technology that is not only less expensive but also easy for patients to use at home, avoiding the need for clinical interventions,” said Dr. Bandodkar .

The research team, in collaboration with DARPA, designed water-powered, electronics-free dressings (WPEDs). These disposable dressings consist of electrodes on one side and a small biocompatible battery on the other. When applied to the wound, the electrodes come into contact with the affected area. A simple drop of water activates the battery, which then generates an electric field for several hours.

This electric field is crucial as it is well-documented that electrical stimulation can enhance the healing of chronic wounds. According to Rajaram Kaveti, a post-doctoral researcher at NC State and co-first author of the study, “The electric field generated by the bandage plays a pivotal role in promoting faster wound healing”.

One of the standout features of these bandages is their ability to conform to the wound’s surface, which is often irregular and deep. The electrodes are designed to bend and fit the unique contours of each wound, ensuring that the electric field is effectively directed from the wound’s edges toward its center. This design is vital for optimizing the healing process, as it ensures consistent contact between the electrodes and the wound, regardless of its shape or depth .

The WPEDs were tested on diabetic mice, a standard model for human wound healing. The results were remarkable. The mice treated with the electric bandages experienced a 30% faster healing rate compared to those treated with conventional bandages. Furthermore, the electrical stimulation promoted the formation of new blood vessels and reduced inflammation, both of which are critical factors in effective wound healing .

One of the most significant advantages of these bandages is their low production cost. The overhead for each dressing is just a few dollars, making them an accessible option for widespread use. Dr. Bandodkar pointed out that this affordability could make a substantial difference in the treatment of chronic wounds, particularly for patients with limited financial resources.

In addition to being cost-effective, these bandages are user-friendly, allowing patients to apply them at home and carry on with their daily activities. This ease of use is crucial for ensuring that patients adhere to their treatment regimen, as it eliminates the need for frequent clinic visits or prolonged periods of immobility .

Looking ahead, the research team plans to refine the technology further, focusing on extending the duration of the electric field and minimizing fluctuations. Additional testing is also underway to move closer to clinical trials, with the ultimate goal of making this innovative treatment widely available for patients suffering from chronic wounds.

The development of WPEDs represents a significant advancement in the treatment of chronic wounds. By combining affordability, ease of use, and effective healing, these electric bandages have the potential to revolutionize wound care, particularly for patients with diabetes who are at high risk of severe complications from chronic wounds. As research progresses, this technology could offer a much-needed solution for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Bandodkar, A.J., Kaveti, R., et al. (2024). Water-powered, electronics-free dressings that electrically stimulate wounds for rapid wound closure.