Experts from the Kuban State Medical University (KubSMU) have developed a biodegradable membrane made of natural polymers to repair the eardrum. Anastasia Krysovataya, one of the developers, told socialbites.ca about this. The project was presented at the Naukabiomed forum.
“As a result of trauma to the eardrum, permanent holes that require surgical treatment occur in 22% of cases. This is a hole or tear in the outer wall of the eardrum, causing pain, noise or ringing in the ear, and decreased hearing. Typically, surgeons use temporalis muscle fascia or auricular tragus cartilage as grafts. However, this additional operation is associated with a high risk of complications,” Krysovataya explained.
According to him, the hydrogel biodegradable membrane developed will cover the injury area with a layer and connective tissue fibers will be guided through this layer. Thus, the membrane will help regenerate the eardrum tissue.
“The membrane allows to accelerate wound healing, reduce the trauma of myringoplasty and the risk of recurrence. In addition, it speeds up the operating process: the surgeon only needs to cut the necessary piece of membrane and apply it to the wound, without making additional incisions to remove the autograft,” said Krysovataya.
Scientists cannot explain this because the composition of the membrane material is currently patented. However, it is known that the main component of the material is sodium alginate. It has long been used for medical use in humans and has been proven safe.
“We now have the first samples of the membrane and have recently conducted tests on a rabbit to improve the surgical technique. We are now seeking funding for further studies,” Krysovataya concluded.
Previously biophysicist Tagandurdyeva in the name Three ways to repair nerves.