The team of young scientists from the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys has for the first time in Russia introduced a new therapeutic material based on polycaprolactone nanofibres, modified with a thin film of antibacterial composition and components of human blood plasma. Biodegradable bandages from such fibers double the growth of tissue cells, which contributes to normal regeneration of damaged tissues, as well as prevents scarring after severe burns.

In regenerative medicine, such as treating burns, in particular, one of the main tasks is the effective restoration of damaged skin tissues and prevention of scarring. Scars are formed every time the skin is exposed to a strong effect not limited to the outer skin layer, be it cuts, burns, or skin diseases such as acne or fungal infection.

Scar tissue consists mainly of unidirectional collagen and is significantly different from the tissues that it replaces. The problem is they have reduced functional properties. For example, scars on the skin are more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, they are not elastic, and sweat glands and hair follicles are not restored in them.

“The solution of this medical issue has been found by the employees of the Inorganic Nanomaterials laboratory at the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys. The work was supervised by PhD Anton Manakhov, a senior research fellow of the laboratory. The team of scientists managed to create multilayer "bandages" from biodegradable fibers and multifunctional bioactive nanofilms that prevent scarring and accelerate the regeneration of tissues”, - Alevtina Chernikova, rector of the Institute said.

Addition of antibacterial effect by introducing silver nanoparticles or attaching an antibiotic, as well as increased bioactivity due to the application of hydrophilic groups (-COOH) and plasma proteins to the surface, have provided unique healing properties to the material.

Having bandages from the developed material applied to the injured area, there is a significant acceleration of the healing process, successful regeneration of normal skin epithelium and prevention of scarring at the site of the burned or damaged fragment. Antibacterial components of multifunctional nanofibres reduce inflammation, and blood plasma with an increased content of platelets - the elements most important and universal in the healing process - stimulates the process of tissue regeneration.

During the treatment, the bandage does not have to be removed and replaced, thus causing additional pain to the patient is avoided. After a certain period, the biodegradable fiber just "dissolves" in the body without a side effect.

"With the help of chemical binding, we have managed to create a stable layer containing chemical components of blood plasma (growth factors, fibrinogenes and other important proteins that promote cell growth) on the polycaprolactone substrate. Basic fibers were synthesized with the method of electrospinning. Then, using a plasma treatment, a polymer layer containing carboxyl groups was applied to the surface in order to increase the hydrophilic properties of the material. The resulting layer was enriched with antibacterial and protein components”, - one of the project members Elizaveta Permyakova explained.

To date, the development team has already conducted a series of preclinical trials in cooperation with the Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine in Novosibirsk. The results in vitro showed that the use of innovative dressings accelerated the process of cell regeneration two-fold. In the near future, the team expects results of in vivo drug testing.