Some wounds just won’t heal. They keep getting infected because bacteria colonize them. This is particularly problematic after surgery. However, antibiotics are becoming less effective in an increasing number of cases, as many germs have now developed resistance. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Surface Modification (IOM) in Leipzig have now developed a novel wound dressing that fights bacteria using light.
A wound dressing that acts like skin
The team developed a transparent hydrogel – a water-based, gel-like material. It consists of a medically well-tolerated plastic and gelatin and has properties similar to those of human skin. At the same time, the material can store moisture and release active ingredients in a controlled manner. The researchers integrated tiny silver particles – so-called silver nanoparticles – into the hydrogel. In addition, the wound dressing contains special dyes.
This technique is known as photodynamic therapy. When light strikes the dyes, oxygen compounds are formed that can specifically target and destroy bacteria. The team tested the wound dressing on the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Both species frequently cause wound infections.
