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Skin cells 'crawl' together to heal wounds treated with unique hydrogel layer

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a proprietary peptide-hydrogel biomaterial that promotes skin cells to 'crawl' together, closing chronic, non-healing wounds caused by diabetes. The treatment closed wounds 200% faster than no treatment and 60% faster than existing collagen-based products.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2016

WSU researchers watch skin cells 'walk' to wounds

Researchers at Washington State University have observed skin cells altering proteins and moving to repair wounds, a process that could be manipulated to speed up healing. They found that the cells use their internal muscle-related proteins to generate forces needed to move, allowing them to 'walk' to the wound site.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 9, 2016

Ivy's powerful grasp could lead to better medical adhesives, stronger battle armor

Researchers discovered that English ivy's adhesive is made of arabinogalactan proteins, which can be used to create strong bio-inspired adhesives for wound healing and surface-coating applications. The study also found that the glue has unique properties such as being resistant to moisture and environmental conditions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Skin cells play 'dice games'

Recent research reveals that all dividing human skin cells have the potential to switch between two modes of cell division, one for maintenance and another for wound repair. This finding explains how skin grafts work and may lead to new treatments for wound healing and cancer.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 7, 2015

Hope for patients with chronic wounds

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNA-132 plays a critical role in regulating the transition from inflammation to proliferation during wound healing. The researchers identified miR-132 as a therapeutic target for promoting healing and developing new treatments for chronic skin wounds.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2015

Recipe for antibacterial plastic: Plastic plus egg whites

Researchers have discovered bioplastics with significant antibacterial properties that could reduce hospital-acquired infections and food contamination. Albumin-based bioplastics demonstrated complete inhibition of bacterial growth, making them a potential solution for wound healing dressings and drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science·DateMar 27, 2015

Novel nanoparticle therapy promotes wound healing

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a nanoparticle therapy that reduces fidgetin-like 2 enzyme levels to promote wound healing. The treatment accelerated healing in mice with skin excisions or burns by over twice as much as untreated controls, showing promise for faster recovery from various types of wounds.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMar 26, 2015

Forcing wounds to close

Researchers at National University of Singapore discover that cells exert directional forces to close gaps in protective epithelial barriers, even when underlying layers are damaged. This 'tug-of-war' mechanism drives mechanical forces responsible for gap closure.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2015

'Smart' bandage emits phosphorescent glow for healing below

A new paint-on, see-through 'smart' bandage glows to indicate tissue oxygenation concentration, enabling direct measurement for improved wound care. The bandage's phosphorescence emits light based on oxygen levels, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of wounds and burns.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 1, 2014

Proteins critical to wound healing identified

Researchers found that mice lacking specific vascular system proteins developed normally but healed poorly from injuries. Increasing FGF signaling may improve wound healing, while inhibiting it in the eye could help patients with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2014