Diabetic wounds are notoriously difficult to heal, and new polymers have opened the way to healing these long-standing wounds.
Both blood vessels and blood flow are affected in diabetic patients. In this way, skin does not form on the wound and thus the wound continues to ooze and heal with great difficulty. But now University of Nottingham Professor Amir Ghaim Maghami and his colleagues tested 315 different types of polymers for wound healing. Meanwhile, all cases of early recovery were carefully reviewed.
The researchers looked for polymers that could increase the activity of mast cells and fibroblasts, both of which play an important role in wound healing. Finally, scientists have created a new polymer that is highly biocompatible. A poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate) named PTHFUA was found to be effective in every way.
The experts applied PTHFUA-coated microscopic particles to a polymer on the wound of some animals and placed it on the wound. In the first 96 hours, fibroblast accumulation was three times faster compared to a normal bandage, while the speed of wound healing increased by 80%. After encouraging results in animals, it is expected to be applied and tested on diabetic wound dressings soon.
According to Dr. Amir, the preparation of this polymer is very easy and cost-effective and it will be of great help in the treatment of chronic wounds in diabetic patients.
