UK (Commonwealth Union) – Diabetes often results in the body becoming unable to produce insulin, continues to be a problem for the world as rates grow and are projected to rise even further in the coming years ahead. The earliest case of diabetes dates back to 1500 BC.
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have used 3D bioprinting to create an economical bandage treatment, referred to as a scaffold, for diabetic foot ulcers, leading to better patient outcomes. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), is a complication of diabetes often brough about by poor circulation. DFU is seen in roughly 25% of diabetic patients and when identified, over 50% are presently infected and more than 70% of cases lead to lower limb amputation.
The successful healing of DFU is a complicated procedure needing a variety of combined therapies. As a result, there are vital clinical and economic hassles linked to DFU treatment often unsuccessful, and leads to lower-limb amputation.
This new study that appeared in Springer Link reveals results with important implications for patient improvements together with lowering costs and clinical issues in treating DFU. “These scaffolds are like windows that enable doctors to monitor the healing constantly. This avoids needing to remove them constantly, which can provoke infection and delay the healing process,” said Professor Dimitrios Lamprou, a Professor of Biofabrication and Advanced Manufacturing at Queen’s School of Pharmacy and corresponding author.
“The ‘frame’ has an antibiotic that helps to ‘kill’ the bacteria infection, and the ‘glass’ that can be prepared by collagen/sodium alginate can contain a growth factor to encourage cell growth. The scaffold has two molecular layers that both play an important role in healing the wound,” he added.
Lead author Ms. Katie Glover, from the Queen’s School of Pharmacy, stated that implementing bioprinting technology, they produced a scaffold with suitable mechanical properties to treat the wound, which can be simply adjusted to the size of the wound and an economical alternative to the present DFU treatments.
