New vitamin C-rich bandage to promote healing of burns » Yes Punjab

New Delhi, May 4, 2024
Italian researchers have developed a new bandage made from biodegradable material and packed with vitamin C to help promote the healing process of burns.

The bandage developed by the team from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) consists of zein – a protein obtained from corn; pectin – a sugar found in the peel of many fruits, such as apple; and soy lecithin – a substance derived from the plant of the same name.

The body’s natural defense mechanism leads to inflammation after a burn, causing the affected area to become red and swollen. However, excessive inflammation can counterproductively cause the production of oxygen free radicals and hinder the healing process.

The new bandage, described in the journal ACS Applied Bio Materials, was found to be able to prevent an increase in inflammation levels and reduce the number of free radicals, thereby shortening the time needed for healing.

“This is just one of the possible applications for this category of smart materials,” said Athanassia Athanassiou, principal investigator of IIT’s Smart Materials Unit.

“We are working on other devices that can accelerate healing not only of burns, but also of several other types of wounds, such as cuts or skin ulcers, and pathologies,” Athanassiou added.

Importantly, the bandage breaks down naturally within a few days, providing an environmentally sustainable alternative to skin patches, the team said. (Agency)