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Tuesday, December 12, 2006Professors Daniel Smith and Darrell Reneker used electricity to spin ultrafine polymer fibers while infusing them with chemicals that open a wound to oxygen. The treated fibers reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and repair slow-healing wounds faster than conventional methods, Smith said. The ``nanofiber bandage'' is particularly helpful for diabetics because the dressing releases nitric oxide gas, a natural chemical diabetics don't produce enough of, but one that is crucial for body repair. As a bonus, the electrospun fibers are inexpensive, lightweight and elastic, and conform to any wound without sticking, he said. The first human trials are winding up in Colombia. The South American country was chosen because it was easier to find people suffering parasitic lesions, a challenging wound that will highlight the bandage's strengths. It looks like the nitric oxide angle is specifically aimed at a parasitic infection: UA's nanofiber bandage was initially tested in clinical trials for leishmaniasis in Columbia, South America. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of sand flies. It has widely affected U.S. troops stationed in the Persian Gulf region; globally, it affects 12 million people in about 90 tropical and subtropical countries. Lesions from the disease can take months to heal, leaving unsightly scars. Left unchecked, the condition can lead to liver infection. The nanofiber bandage releases nitric oxide, which kills the parasite that causes the condition and reduces inflammation, allowing healing to occur. In clinical trials, nanofiber bandages reduced healing times from months or even years to as few as 12 days. The treatment is also much easier for patients, compared to the traditional method that involves a cocktail of harsh drugs delivered intravenously over several months. With its demonstrated success treating leishmaniasis, the technology is now in clinical trials for diabetic ulcers and is being explored for a host of other medical applications, including dental and cardiovascular surgery. posted by Sydney on 12/12/2006 11:02:00 PM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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