Researchers in Italy have created an innovative bandage using biodegradable material infused with vitamin C to enhance the healing of burn injuries.
The bandage, engineered by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) team, comprises zein, a maize-derived protein; pectin, a sugar present in various fruit peels such as apple; and soy lecithin– a substance sourced from the like-named plant.
The body’s natural response to burns often results in inflammation, causing redness and swelling in the affected area. However, excessive inflammation can hinder the healing process by generating oxygen free radicals. The newly developed bandage, described in the journal ACS Applied Bio Materials, has demonstrated the ability to mitigate inflammation and reduce the production of free radicals, thereby expediting the healing process. Athanassia Athanassiou, Principal Investigator of IIT’s Smart Materials Unit, remarked, “This is just one of the possible applications for this category of smart materials,”
Importantly, the bandage naturally degrades within a few days, providing an environmentally sustainable alternative to skin patches, the team said.