Plasma jet technology makes bioactive coatings for improved wound care

The approach by researchers at Flinders University in Australia uses argon atmospheric plasma jet technology to transform the blue-green microalgae Spirulina maxima into bioactive coatings that tackle bacterial infections while promoting faster wound healing and applying anti-inflammatory properties. The research is detailed in Small.

“This holds promise, especially for the treatment of chronic wounds, which often pose challenges due to prolonged healing times,” said Dr Vi Khanh Truong, from the Flinders University Biomedical Engineering Laboratory.

“This novel approach could reduce the risk of toxic reactions to silver and other nanoparticles and rising antibiotic-resistance to common commercial coatings used in wound dressings.”

The Flinders team used a new patented plasma-assisted technology which sustainably processes Spirulina maxima biomass into bioactive ultrathin coatings that can be applied to wound dressings and other medical devices.

The new technique could be readily applied to other types of natural supplements, said Dr Truong.

“We are using the plasma coating technology to turn any type of biomass – in this case Spirulina maxima – into a more sustainable high-end coating.”

Extract of S. maxima is used as a protein supplement and to treat skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. The researchers said the new plasma technology is the first of its kind and could be a ‘game-changer’ for wound healing around the world.

The WHO has warned that antimicrobial resistance is one of the top public health threats facing humanity in the 21st century. Associated with the death of close to five million people in 2019, it is forecast to cost world economies upwards of $1tn by 2050 if no action is taken. 

Multiple genetic changes in common bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can lead them to become resistant to multiple antibiotics, forming ‘superbugs’.

Co-author of the new study, Professor Krasimir Vasilev, NHMRC Leadership Fellow, said the technology offers a better solution to current commercial applications, including gold and copper coatings, which will be an important tool to combat antibiotic resistance. 

“This new plasma-facilitated downstream processing can improve extraction and purification of useful compounds from biomass without the need for harmful solvents and a lot of energy input,” said Professor Vasilev, director of the Flinders Biomedical Nanoengineering Lab.

“We are now seeking avenues for commercialisation of this unique technology.

“Currently there are no commercial wound dressings that simultaneously fight and protect from infection, favourably modulate inflammation and stimulate healing.

“We believe that the technology will offer a market advantage to medical wound dressing manufacturers and, by reaching the hospitals, make a difference to healthcare and patients.”