Plasma Technology Marks a New Era in Chronic Wound Care, Offering Hope to Millions

Plasma Technology Marks a New Era in Chronic Wound Care, Offering Hope to Millions
by Sophie Jenkins
Sheffield UK (SPX) Mar 19, 2024

Scientists from the University of Sheffield and the University of South Australia have introduced a groundbreaking treatment for chronic wounds, utilizing ionized gas to enhance hydrogel dressings without relying on antibiotics. This innovation promises a significant stride forward in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections and could revolutionize the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and internal wounds.

The novel approach employs plasma to activate hydrogel dressings-widely used in wound care-with a special mix of chemical oxidants, effectively decontaminating wounds and promoting healing. This method, devoid of antibiotics, targets antibiotic-resistant pathogens and presents a pioneering solution in wound management.

Professor Rob Short from the University of Sheffield, a co-author of the study, highlights the global challenge of diabetic foot ulcers, affecting over 540 million people with diabetes worldwide. With infections increasingly resistant to antibiotics leading to thousands of amputations annually, there's a pressing need for innovative treatments. The cost of managing such wounds already surpasses $17 billion annually in the U.S. alone.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of cold plasma ionized gas in controlling infections and stimulating wound healing, thanks to the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Dr. Endre Szili, leading the study, notes the limitations of traditional treatments like antibiotics and silver dressings, emphasizing the potential of plasma-activated hydrogel dressings enriched with RONS to kill common bacteria and possibly activate the body's immune response.

The research, published in Advanced Functional Materials, indicates that the technology not only addresses diabetic foot ulcers but could also extend to various chronic and internal wounds. With an environmentally safe profile, leveraging natural air and water components to produce active ingredients, this plasma technology signifies a promising horizon in medical treatments. The team is gearing up for clinical trials to refine this electrochemical technology for human patient treatments, poised to mitigate a looming global healthcare crisis posed by chronic wound infections.

Research Report:Electrochemically Enhanced Antimicrobial Action of Plasma-Activated Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogel Dressings