3D printed wound dressing could improve treatment for burns and cancer patients

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A new type of wound dressing made with advanced polymers could enhance the healing process for burn patients and have potential applications for drug delivery in cancer treatment.

Customised hydrogel mask starts with 3D scan
Customised hydrogel mask starts with 3D scan - University of Waterloo

This is the claim of researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada, whose dressing has potential applications in the cosmetic industry also.

"To treat burn victims, we can customise the shape using a 3D printer, secondly, the material has fine-tuned surface adhesion, which is a key feature", said Dr Boxin Zhao, a professor in Waterloo's Department of Chemical Engineering, whose team is active in developing intelligent hydrogel materials reusable wound dressings. "The material can easily adhere to the skin and be taken off. It's a very delicate balance within the material to make the adhesion work."

The material also has applications for cancer treatment where, in traditional chemotherapy treatment, a patient may need to be in a clinic for hours. This dressing can provide a constant drug release outside the clinic setting, alleviating some of the challenges associated with traditional methods.

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The material used to create these smart dressings includes a biopolymer derived from seaweed, a thermally responsive polymer, and cellulose nanocrystals.

The dressing's thermal responsiveness allows it to warm on the skin and gently lower to room temperature. Additionally, when chilled in the fridge, the dressing expands but shrinks to a smaller size at body temperature, making it easier and less painful to remove. Also, the dressing is designed to provide time-release medication, allowing for longer-lasting pain relief. 

"We also envision applications in the beauty and cosmetic industry," said Zhao, Waterloo's Endowed Chair in Nanotechnology. "Cosmetologists can utilise 3D scanning technology to analyse their clients' facial features and customise hydrogel masks infused with specific facial and skin regimen products. Additionally, this innovative approach can benefit plastic surgeons."

This research is proof of concept for Zhao's Surface Science and Bio- nanomaterials Laboratory Group. The next step for Zhao's research group is to continue improving the material's properties to make it healthier and commercially viable. 

A study highlighting the team's progress was recently published in the Journal of Colloids and Interface Science. 

customised dressings