Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) have created a graphene-based biocompatible material that has no industrial analogues, which accelerates the healing of chronic wounds during electrical stimulation. This was reported to socialbites.ca by the press service of the Priority 2030 program.
The new material is a compound of graphene and a polyimide polymer that makes it electrically conductive. Composite films can be used in wearable devices for the treatment of chronic wounds and complex soft tissue injuries. The material interacts directly with the affected area of the skin. Previous studies have shown that electrical stimulation can improve tissue healing.
“There are now many devices that use electrical stimulation, but they have a significant drawback – the electrode in contact with the skin does not have sufficient biocompatibility, which limits the biomedical effect – wounds and scars heal for a long time. Using the material we developed solves this problem and allows tissues to heal faster.”
Scientists have proven that their material is biocompatible and non-toxic to fibroblasts (skin cells). Experiments on tissues have confirmed that electrical stimulation on composite films accelerates healing of human skin fibroblasts.
The results of the study were published in the journal Functional Biomaterials. AO Shvabe Rostec showed interest in development.