Chronic wounds often spiral out of control because oxygen cannot reach the deepest layers of injured tissue. However, researchers at UC Riverside developed a new gel that delivers a continuous flow of oxygen directly to wounds. This innovation uses a tiny battery-powered system to supercharge the healing process in high-risk patients. Consequently, this technology could dramatically reduce the number of amputations caused by non-healing injuries.
Furthermore, the breakthrough may eventually open new doors for the successful development of lab-grown organs.
The Dangers of Oxygen Deprivation
Low oxygen levels deep within damaged tissue trap wounds in a prolonged and painful inflammatory phase. This stagnant environment encourages bacterial growth while simultaneously preventing the body from repairing itself effectively. Professor Iman Noshadi explains that a lack of stable oxygen disrupts the four critical stages of wound healing. Specifically, wounds require oxygen for inflammation, vascularisation, remodeling, and final regeneration. Therefore, addressing this shortage is essential for preventing tissue breakdown and promoting healthy cell repair.
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How the Oxygen-Generating Gel Functions
The flexible gel consists of water and a non-toxic, antibacterial choline-based liquid that is safe for human tissue. When connected to a small hearing aid battery, the material splits water molecules to release oxygen steadily over time. Unlike surface treatments, this gel adapts to the exact shape of a wound to fill every small gap. Moreover, the system can maintain oxygen flow for up to a month to support new blood vessel formation. This continuous supply helps a stalled wound resume its typical and healthy healing pattern.
Promising Results in Clinical Studies
The research team tested this technology on diabetic and older mice whose injuries resemble chronic human wounds. Untreated animals often suffered fatal outcomes because their injuries failed to close or heal properly in the study. In contrast, mice treated with the oxygen-producing patch healed completely in about twenty-three days. This success suggests that the patch could eventually become a revolutionary product for elderly patients with chronic conditions. Researchers believe the choline in the gel also helps to calm overactive immune responses during recovery.
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Beyond Wound Care
The potential applications extend past treating chronic wounds. Oxygen and nutrient shortages are major barriers in efforts to grow replacement tissues and organs, which is a long term goal of the Noshadi laboratory.
“When the thickness of a tissue increases, it’s hard to diffuse that tissue with what it needs, so cells start dying,” Noshadi said. “This project can be seen as a bridge to creating and sustaining larger organs for people in need of them.”
Addressing a Growing Health Challenge
Some of the forces behind rising chronic wound rates cannot be solved with a medical device alone. Along with aging and diabetes, lifestyle factors also play a role.
“Our sedentary lifestyles are causing our immune responses to decrease,” said UCR bioengineer and co author Baishali Kanjilal. “It’s hard to get to societal roots of our problems. But this innovation represents a chance to reduce amputations, improve quality of life, and give the body what it needs to heal itself.”
Expert Q&A: Revolutionising Wound Care
Q: What is the main cause of chronic wounds failing to heal?
A: A severe shortage of oxygen in deep tissue, known as hypoxia, prevents the body from moving past inflammation.
Q: How does this gel differ from traditional bandages?
A: Most bandages only absorb fluid, but this device actively generates oxygen to fix the fundamental problem of hypoxia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the oxygen gel safe for the human body?
Yes, the gel uses a choline-based liquid that is non-toxic, biocompatible, and naturally antibacterial for safe use.
How long can the oxygen gel last?
The system provides a stable and consistent flow of oxygen for up to one month to support lasting repair.
Does the device require a large power source?
No, the electrochemical device runs on a tiny battery similar to those found in standard hearing aids.
Could this technology be used for other medical purposes?
Scientists believe this oxygen-delivery method could eventually assist in the creation and maintenance of lab-grown organs.
How often does the gel need to be renewed?
Current research suggests that the gel may need to be renewed periodically to ensure optimal oxygen levels are maintained.