Health, UK (Commonwealth Union) – In recent years the world has significant rise in antimicrobial resistance. This has been blamed on numerous factors that include the over prescription of antibiotics and pathogenic organisms themselves evolving to resist antibiotics. This has led to healthcare professions call for urgent solutions and more research into possible new treatments.
A team of international scientists has developed an innovative treatment for chronic wounds, bypassing antibiotics in favor of ionized gas to activate a special type of wound dressing. This treatment involves the plasma activation of hydrogel dressings, commonly used in wound care, with a unique blend of chemical oxidants. These oxidants have a good ability to decontaminate and promote healing in chronic wounds.
Many researchers from across the world have explored various different options for wound treatment from the use of proteins to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Led by researchers from the University of Sheffield and the University of South Australia, this breakthrough is seen as a significant step forward in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. It holds promise for revolutionizing the treatment of conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers and internal wounds.
Professor Rob Short, co-author of the study and a Chemistry Professor at the University of Sheffield, emphasized the global impact of the research. He noted that more than 540 million people worldwide live with diabetes, with approximately 30% expected to develop foot ulcers during their lifetime. Addressing this issue is crucial, especially considering the projected increase due to rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles.
“In England alone between 60,000 and 75,000 people are being treated for diabetic foot ulcers per week. Infection is one of the major risks. Increasingly, many infections do not respond to normal antibiotic treatment due to resistant bacteria which results in 7,000 amputations per year.
“There is an urgent need for innovation in wound management and treatment and it is a real privilege to be part of the international team who have been working on this alternative treatment for over 10 years.”
Researcher of the study noted that each year, the expenditure for managing chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, has surpassed $17 billion US dollars.
Clinical trials have unequivocally demonstrated the efficacy of cold plasma ionized gas. It not only effectively combats infections but also accelerates the healing process. This remarkable ability stems from the potent chemical mix of oxidants, notably reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), generated upon activation of oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the surrounding air.
Dr. Endre Szili, heading the research at the University of South Australia, recently published findings in the journal Advanced Functional Materials. He indicated that he conventional methods of treating chronic wounds using antibiotics and silver dressings have notable limitations.
He added that, the escalating resistance to antibiotics is a widespread issue globally, while the potential toxicity induced by silver is also a significant concern. In fact, the phasing out of silver dressings in Europe is indicative of this growing apprehension.
The collaboration of scientists from around the world has demonstrated that by activating hydrogel dressings with RONS using plasma, the gel becomes significantly more effective in eradicating common bacteria.
While the study primarily focused on diabetic foot ulcers, the technology holds promise for treating various chronic wounds and internal infections, as indicated by the researchers.
Dr. Szili indicated that despite promising outcomes with plasma activated hydrogel therapy (PAHT) in recent studies, they encountered difficulties in loading hydrogels with sufficient concentrations of RONS necessary for clinical applications. However, they have overcome this obstacle by implementing a novel electrochemical approach that improves hydrogel activation.
In addition to effectively eliminating common bacteria such as E. coli and P. aeruginosa, which are known to cause wound infections, the scientists suggest that plasma activated hydrogels may also stimulate the body’s immune response, aiding in the combat against infections.
Dr. Szili emphasized the gravity of chronic wound infections, describing them as a covert pandemic on the brink of evolving into a worldwide healthcare emergency adding that the quest for alternative remedies to antibiotics and silver dressings is crucial, as failed treatments frequently lead to amputations.
He added that their PAHT technology presents a significant advantage as it offers universal applicability in wound treatment. Moreover, it stands out for its environmentally friendly approach, harnessing the inherent elements of air and water to generate active ingredients. These components degrade into non-toxic and biocompatible substances, ensuring safety and compatibility.
“The active ingredients could be delivered over a lengthy period, improving treatment, with a better chance of penetrating a tumour.
“Plasma has massive potential in the medical world, and this is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Dr Szili.
