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Robot skin heals

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have created a controllable robotic finger covered with living skin tissue that can heal itself. The development could lead to new possibilities in advanced manufacturing industries, such as automation and cosmetics, reducing costs, time, and complexity of research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Human skin can be damaged by exposure to thirdhand smoke and electronic cigarette spills

Researchers discovered that dermal contact with nicotine concentrations found in thirdhand smoke and electronic cigarette spills can impair wound healing, increase susceptibility to skin infections, and cause oxidative stress in skin cells. The study suggests that even a short exposure of 24 hours is sufficient to cause skin damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAtmosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Multi-functional bandage helps wounds to heal - Biomolecular film adheres to sensitive tissue and releases active ingredients

Researchers developed a biopolymer film that combines anti-bacterial properties, inflammation dampening, and release of active pharmaceutical ingredients in a targeted manner. The film adheres to sensitive surfaces without damaging tissue, speeding up healing process and completely dissolving by itself.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2022

Blueberry extract may aid wound healing

Researchers found that a blueberry phenolic extract improved vascularization and cell migration in live wounds, leading to a 12% increase in wound closure. The study suggests wild blueberries have the potential to enhance wound healing, particularly for patients with chronic wounds.

Smart wound dressing

A new smart wound dressing has been developed that can bind wounds together, ward off infection, and monitor the wound's condition directly to doctors' computers. The dressing is made of a biocompatible polymer that heals itself in under three seconds.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

Synthesis of AgNPs@rGO: Simple and green way for wound healing

Scientists from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science create a novel approach to synthesizing silver nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide composite material using plasma technology. The resulting AgNPs@rGO nanomaterial shows excellent disinfection effects and bio-compatibility, making it suitable for wound healing band-aids.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Engineering Journal Advances·DateOct 12, 2021

New nanomaterial for treatment of skin infections

Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel antibacterial material called NANO-LPPO that can prevent infection and facilitate treatment of skin wounds. The material combines lipophosphonoxins with a nonwoven nanotextile, which releases active substances in response to bacterial presence.

New study suggests that aquaporin could be key to repairing corneal defects

A new study provides evidence supporting the involvement of aquaporins in corneal cell proliferation and nerve regeneration, suggesting AQP5 induction as a potential therapy to accelerate corneal defect resurfacing. The study found that AQP5 deficiency can slow down corneal epithelial repair, but its specific mechanism remained unclear.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

Natural killer cells coordinate wound healing

Researchers discovered that natural killer cells play a crucial role in wound healing by accelerating blood vessel growth. However, this process increases the risk of bacterial infections. The study suggests harnessing killer cells to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and finding a balance between wound healing and immune defense.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Researchers take step toward using cellular motion to help wound healing

Scientists at Princeton University have created a novel approach to directing skin cells using an electrical field. By breaking molecular connections between cells and applying an electric field, researchers were able to improve the controllability of tissues and potentially optimize wound healing through electrical stimulation.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Improving strength, stretchiness and adhesion in hydrogels for wound healing

Researchers from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation develop methods to enhance mechanical properties of hydrogels, including toughness, stretchiness, and adhesive strength. By introducing dopamine and alkaline conditions, they create gel-like materials with improved biocompatibility and regenerative capabilities.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Illuminating tissue formation

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a multi-component molecule that interacts with collagen, allowing for the visualization of new tissue growth in the body. This breakthrough could have applications in oncology and wound healing, enabling surgeons to more accurately remove tumors and investigate tissue formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 4, 2021

Hair follicles heal blisters at personal cost

Researchers discovered that hair follicle stem cells play a key role in healing skin blisters, which delays the growth of hair follicles in regenerated skin tissue. This balance between wound healing and development has implications for treating epidermolysis bullosa, pemphigoid diseases and other blistering conditions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJun 14, 2021

A physics perspective on wound healing

Scientists from UNIGE and UZH used a statistical physics approach to study wound healing, identifying the scales of dominant cell interactions that govern tissue growth. The results allow for better analysis of cell front behavior in both healthy tissue and tumour development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2021

Skin stem cells shuffle sugars as they age

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that epidermal stem cells undergo a change in their complex sugar repertoire with age, which could serve as a biological marker of aging. This 'glycome shift' is characterized by an increase in sialylated complex type N-glycans and a decrease in mannose-type N-glycans.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAging Cell·DateJul 21, 2020