In a novel study, scientists find a unique method to healing wounds.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Scientists have introduced a novel way to close wounds called tissue soldering, which involves using a special paste and a laser, different from traditional stitches and staples.
- Researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich have created a smart wound soldering paste known as iSolder, aiming to prevent complications in wound healing, especially when traditional methods face challenges.
- The solder paste is made using tiny particles called nanoparticles. These particles play a crucial role in the process, with titanium nitride nanoparticles converting light into heat, and bismuth vanadate particles acting as miniature thermometers to ensure precise temperature control.
- In laboratory studies conducted with the help of surgeons, the researchers tested the new method on various tissues, including complex areas like the urethra, fallopian tube and intestine. The results demonstrated that the technique is fast, stable and safe for the body.
- The scientists explored using a milder light source, infrared light, instead of a laser, making the method more practical for regular hospitals without requiring special laser protection. If successful, this adaptation could broaden the application of the soldering method.
Healing Wounds
Healing wounds is usually done using stitches or staples. It is like sewing up a tear in your clothes but for your skin.
These methods work well in most cases, but sometimes they face challenges especially when dealing with soft tissues (like organs) where using a needle and thread might not be the best idea.
Now, scientists have come up with a new way to seal wounds called tissue soldering. It’s like fixing a tear by using a special kind of paste and a laser.
This method is different from stitches and staples, and it can be helpful in situations where traditional methods might not work as effectively.
The smart wound soldering paste known as intelligent solder, is a cool development by researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich.
Their goal is to prevent problems with wound healing and complications that can happen when stitches don’t hold well.
Here’s how it works:
The paste is made using tiny particles called nanoparticles. When a laser is used on this paste, it creates heat that helps the paste stick to the tissue and close the wound.
The temperature during this process is carefully controlled in real-time using nanothermometry, which is like measuring temperature at a super tiny scale.
The paste has two types of nanoparticles. One type, titanium nitride nanoparticles turns light into heat. The other type, bismuth vanadate particles acts like tiny thermometers to make sure the heat is just right.
This way, the laser soldering process can be controlled precisely and work efficiently.
The scientists tested this new method in the lab with the help of surgeons from different places. They tried it on various tissues, even in tricky areas like the urethra, fallopian tube and intestine.
The results showed that this new method works fast, is stable and is safe for the body.
In the next steps, the scientists tried using a gentler kind of light, infrared light instead of the laser.
If this gentler light can be used, it means the new soldering method could be used more easily in regular hospitals without needing special laser protection.
The team is so excited about this discovery that they have even applied for a patent, which is like an official permission to say, “Hey, we came up with this awesome thing”
The results of their work were published in a journal called Small Methods. So, who knows, in the future, when you get a cut or need stitches, they might use this smart soldering paste instead.
Ways to Prevent Complications in Wounds
So, scientists and healthcare experts are always looking for new and improved ways to avoid complications in wounds.
Their goal is to make the healing process better and help patients recover more successfully.
So, these are some methods being used:
Microscopic Sutures with Self-Healing Properties
Imagine if stitches could do more than just hold things together. Scientists are working on creating tiny stitches with built-in self-healing abilities.
These advanced stitches, made from special materials, actively contribute to the healing process. They might release helpful substances, encourage cell growth and adapt to changes in the wound.
By combining the regular function of stitches with these extra healing powers, the goal is to reduce the chances of infections and other issues during recovery.
Nanotechnology-Infused Antimicrobial Dressings
Nanotechnology is making a big difference with special wound dressings containing tiny materials. While regular dressings protect wounds, these nanotech dressings go a step further.
Nanoparticles in these dressings have antimicrobial powers, actively fighting bacteria and preventing infections. They can also control moisture levels in the wound, creating the perfect environment for healing.
This integration of nanotechnology improves the overall effectiveness of wound care, providing a high-tech shield against complications.
3D Bioprinting for Tissue Regeneration [Healing Wounds]
Here’s a technology that might change how we treat wounds — 3D bioprinting. Instead of using traditional grafts, which sometimes cause problems, 3D bioprinting lets scientists create custom tissues for transplantation.
This futuristic method involves building tissues layer by layer using special inks containing living cells. In the context of wound care, it could mean making skin grafts and complex tissues with specific shapes.
This personalized approach not only lowers the risk of complications but also speeds up the healing process. This is done by offering a more natural and compatible solution.
Tissue Soldering with Smart Wound Closure Paste
Well, like we discuss above, this method involves using a smart paste called iSolder (intelligent solder) to close wounds. iSolder is a special paste with tiny particles made of metal and ceramics.
When a laser is used on it, these particles turn light into heat, sealing the wound efficiently. The temperature is carefully controlled in real-time, making sure it works just right.
Lab tests have shown that this method works well on various tissues, even in tricky places like the urethra, fallopian tube, and intestine.
There’s also a possibility of using infrared light instead of a laser, making it easier to use in regular hospitals without extra precautions.
So, these new and creative methods are leading the way in wound care, blending technology, biology and medical science.
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