A $1 bandage could be the key to saving limbs and changing lives for millions.
Researchers have developed an incredibly affordable device that, when moistened with a single drop of water, generates its own tiny electrical field to speed up wound healing.
For many, chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers are a devastating reality. These injuries can linger for months, even years, and often lead to serious complications, including in some extreme cases, amputation.
But current treatments can be expensive and sometimes ineffective, leaving patients with limited options.
MORE GOOD NEWS: New Rule Boosts Credit Scores for 15 Million Americans Burdened by Medical Bills
Now, though, a team of American researchers has created a potential game-changer: a water-powered, “smart” bandage that costs about a dollar to make.
This tiny device uses a simple chemical reaction – magnesium and silver/silver chloride – to create a gentle electrical current when it comes into contact with water.
“Our goal was to develop a far less expensive technology that accelerates healing in patients with chronic wounds,” says co-author Amay Bandodkar, assistant professor at North Carolina State University. “We also wanted to make sure that the technology is easy enough for people to use at home.”
When water is added to a small pad on the bandage, it activates a tiny, flexible battery that creates a healing electrical field. And a small indicator lets you know it’s working. The bandage is lightweight and flexible, fitting comfortably over different wound shapes and sizes.
Unlike other electrical wound treatments that need bulky machines, this bandage works on its own. And once activated, it delivers gentle electrical stimulation for anywhere from 30 minutes to over seven hours.
MORE GOOD NEWS: New Single-Dose Therapy Shows Promise Against Breast Cancer
Early tests have been incredibly promising in studies, with wounds treated with the electrical bandage healing much faster than those without. Researchers saw improved blood flow, less inflammation, and a significant increase in the rate of wound closure.
“We found that the electrical stimulation from the device sped up the rate of wound closure, promoted new blood vessel formation, and reduced inflammation, all of which point to overall improved wound healing,” says co-first author Maggie Jakus, a graduate student at Columbia University.
“Diabetic foot ulceration is a serious problem that can lead to lower extremity amputations,” emphasizes co-author Aristidis Veves, professor of surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Center. “There is urgent need for new therapeutic approaches.”
While more research is needed before this bandage becomes widely available, it is hoped the product will be more widely available in the foreseeable future.
