Scientists at Stanford University have created a smart patch to heal chronic wounds using electrical stimulation. Researchers’ work published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
Chronic is considered a wound that has existed for more than four weeks without signs of active healing. Their presence can cause anxiety and depression in patients, and in some cases such wounds can be life-threatening.
According to experts, there are few effective methods of dealing with chronic wounds. That’s why scientists have developed a wireless “smart” patch that promotes faster healing of wounds.
The device consists of an electrical stimulator and a wirelessly circuited hydrogel patch with a temperature sensor to monitor the progress of wound healing.
The device causes cells to divide more actively with the help of electric shocks and accelerates regeneration by promoting blood flow to the wound area. If the wound has not healed or an infection characterized by an increase in temperature has been detected in it, the sensors report the need to increase electrical stimulation. The device is controlled from a smartphone.
In the future, the scientists plan to conduct a series of clinical trials of the smart patch.