Electric gel may be a new way to treat intractable injuries!

An electrically charged gel could be a new way to treat stubborn wounds, including leg ulcers or foot sores, in diabetic patients.

When any kind of injury occurs, the body naturally generates a small electrical current around its edges (with a voltage 15 times weaker than that of an AA battery, according to researchers at the University of Aberdeen).

A voltage is created when positive and negative ions (electrically charged atoms or molecules) cross each other. The electrical charge then attracts repair cells and travels to the area to begin the healing process.

A new gel known as self-biocompatible piezoelectric hydrogel mimics this effect, but with gels in which electricity is generated by squeezing tiny crystals of a compound called polyvinylidene fluoride; Physical activity (moving the affected body part) also enhances the effect, causing more electricity to pass through the wound.

External electricity was originally used to promote healing in wearable devices where electrodes are placed directly on the wound, and is being used in hospitals and other settings. It has been shown to improve the healing process of chronic wounds.

Gel electrophoresis does not require an external device and uses the so-called piezoelectric technology – crystals convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

This is widely used in gas burners in barbecue lighters, for example, where when pressed by a person, a spark is generated, which leads to voltage.

Now the researchers have created a gel with a crystalline structure using polyvinylidene fluoride.

This material is applied to the wound (the amount needed depends on the size of the wound) and once it is pressed into place, it produces a small electrical current to start the healing process.

A new gel has been developed to treat chronic wounds. A study published in the journal Applied Materials & Interfaces in October found that it attracted repair cells and significantly increased healing compounds in the area, including growth factors.

A lab study conducted by researchers at Sichuan University’s Western China Medical Center found that movement caused by physical activity is also converted into electrical energy, speeding up the healing process. Additional ideas and research are currently being planned.

Source: Daily Mail

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