Scientists develop magnesium-enriched nanofiber patches for safer wound healing
Researchers enhance polyurethane wound patches with magnesium chloride to improve strength and antimicrobial properties
image: The figure shows scanning electron microscope images comparing the structural morphology of pristine polyurethane (left) and magnesium chloride-enriched polyurethane nanofiber patches (right).
Credit: Dr. Saravana Kumar Jaganathan from the University of Lincoln, UK Source Link: https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S460921
The skin serves as the body’s primary defense against harmful microorganisms, toxins, and physical damage. However, severe injuries from burns, trauma, surgery, or conditions like diabetes can compromise its ability to heal naturally, necessitating advanced wound care solutions. While minor wounds can heal with conventional care, severe injuries demand innovative materials and techniques to ensure rapid and complication-free healing.
To address this, a team of researchers led by Dr. Saravana Kumar Jaganathan has introduced nanofiber wound patches that combine polyurethane (PU) with magnesium chloride (MgCl2). These advanced patches, developed using electrospinning technology, exhibit enhanced strength, superior blood compatibility, and effective antimicrobial properties. Their findings, published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine, Volume 19 on November 1, 2024, mark a significant advancement in wound care. “The efficacy of wound management heavily relies on the selection of optimal wound dressings. Our research explores how combining polyurethane and magnesium chloride can address this challenge effectively,” states Dr. Jaganathan.
PU has long been recognized as a versatile material in medical applications due to its flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. However, Dr. Jaganathan and his team saw the potential for improvement. As he explains, “Wound management is a critical issue. Polymeric wound dressings have garnered wide attention for their ability to accelerate healing, and our study builds on this foundation.”
The team utilized electrospinning—a technique that produces nanofibers mimicking the structure of natural tissue to create these innovative patches. This unique structure supports cell attachment and growth while maintaining controlled porosity, which is essential for optimal wound healing. The inclusion of MgCl2 further amplified the patch's effectiveness, significantly enhancing its mechanical and biological properties.
One standout feature of these patches is their remarkable mechanical strength. Laboratory tests revealed that magnesium-infused patches were almost twice as strong as traditional PU patches, ensuring durability and reliability during clinical use. This makes them particularly suited for handling the demands of severe wound care. Additionally, the patches demonstrated excellent blood compatibility. Coagulation tests, such as activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, indicated that MgCl2 delayed clotting time, reducing the risk of adverse reactions and ensuring safer interactions with the body’s healing processes.
Infection control is another critical aspect of effective wound care. The researchers tested the antimicrobial properties of their patches against two common wound-infecting bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results were impressive: the MgCl2-enhanced patches successfully inhibited bacterial growth, while traditional PU patches showed no such activity. This antimicrobial capability significantly reduces the risk of infections, a common and serious complication in wound management.
The team also evaluated the patch’s impact on skin cells, particularly fibroblasts, which are vital for tissue regeneration. Cell viability tests demonstrated that magnesium-infused patches supported fibroblast growth more effectively than conventional PU patches. This non-toxic nature ensures that the patch promotes faster and more efficient healing without compromising safety.
Despite these promising results, the researchers acknowledge that additional studies are needed to validate the patch’s effectiveness in real-world clinical scenarios. In vivo testing will be essential to assess the performance under practical conditions.
This research paves the way for a new era in wound care, promising improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for those in need of effective wound management solutions.
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Reference
Title of original paper: Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Magnesium Chloride-Enriched Polyurethane Nanofiber Patches for Wound Dressings
Journal: International Journal of Nanomedicine
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S460921
About Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Japan
Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) is a private university with campuses in Tokyo and Saitama. Since the establishment of its predecessor, the Tokyo Higher School of Industry and Commerce, in 1927, it has maintained “learning through practice” as its philosophy in the education of engineers. SIT was the only private science and engineering university selected for the Top Global University Project sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and has received support from the ministry for 10 years, starting from the 2014 academic year. Its motto, “Nurturing engineers who learn from society and contribute to society,” reflects its mission of fostering scientists and engineers who can contribute to the sustainable growth of the world by exposing its over 9,500 students to culturally diverse environments, where they learn to cope, collaborate, and relate with fellow students from around the world.
Website: https://www.shibaura-it.ac.jp/en/
About Saravana Kumar Jaganathan, from University of Lincoln, UK
Dr. Saravana Kumar Jaganathan is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Lincoln, UK. He earned his PhD in Medical Science and Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he worked under Dr. Mahitosh Mandal. With over 15 years of research experience, Dr. Jaganathan has authored more than 200 publications, focusing on biomedical engineering and developing advanced biomaterials for wound healing and tissue engineering. His research, particularly in electrospun nanofiber composites, has garnered over 6,900 citations, highlighting his significant contributions to the field.
About Shahrol Mohamaddan from Shibaura Institute of Technology
Dr. Shahrol Mohamaddan is an Associate Professor at the College of Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Japan. With a Ph.D. and over 15 years of research experience, he has authored more than 95 publications spanning engineering, robotics, and biomedical applications. His recent work focuses on handwriting recognition systems, rehabilitation devices, and human musculoskeletal modelling. Collaborating with researchers globally, including from Malaysia, the UK, and Japan, Dr. Mohamaddan has made significant contributions to the field. His innovations, such as oil palm harvesting simulation and home-based upper limb rehabilitation device, have earned him an h-index of 10 and over 280 citations.