Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a revolutionary smart wound dressing designed for burn victims, employing advanced polymers and 3D printing technology for personalized treatment. This innovative dressing adheres effectively to the skin and offers time-release medication, providing extended relief and minimizing the frequent and painful changes typically required for burn treatments.
The dressing’s design is customized using 3D scans of the patient’s face and body, ensuring excellent contact with various surfaces, which enhances healing. Dr. Boxin Zhao, a chemical engineering professor, highlighted the material’s fine-tuned surface adhesion, which contributes to its effectiveness.
Additionally, this dressing has potential applications in cancer treatment, enabling continuous drug delivery outside of clinical settings, thus reducing patient discomfort often associated with traditional chemotherapy. The smart dressing is composed of biopolymers derived from seaweed, thermally responsive polymers, and cellulose nanocrystals. Its unique thermal properties allow it to expand when chilled and contract at body temperature, making removal easier and less painful.
The researchers envision further applications in the cosmetic industry, enabling customized hydrogel masks based on clients’ facial features. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Colloids and Interface Science, with plans for continued enhancement of the dressing’s properties.
