Researchers from the Russian University of Science and Technology (MISIS) have developed a hydrogel extracted from brown seaweed that helps accelerate wound healing processes.
The university explained in a statement that the inflammatory phase begins immediately after the wound is inflicted and may last from three to five days before the healing process begins. This phase is essential for cleaning the wound, which is crucial for tissue repair. However, microorganisms, foreign bodies, or vascular disorders can hinder this process, prompting researchers to develop a material capable of addressing this problem.
Researcher Nikita Yaparov, an associate professor at the university's Institute of Biomedical Engineering, warned that prolonged inflammation leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in tissues, causing damage to proteins, fats, and cellular molecules, and resulting in oxidative stress that may have long-term health effects, especially in cases of chronic wounds.
To address this problem, the team designed a gel based on sodium alginate extracted from brown algae, and added antioxidants that mimic the action of natural enzymes in the body, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). These antioxidants were encapsulated within the alginate matrix to ensure their controlled release, with the majority being released within the first 24 hours, the period during which cells are most susceptible to oxidative stress.
Daria Zinovieva, a student at the institute, pointed out that the gel has a positive effect on immune cells, particularly macrophages, as it stimulates their transformation into a state that supports tissue regeneration, which contributes to ending inflammation and promoting the formation of new tissue.
The experiments showed that the new material is non-toxic to human skin cells, and the cells retained their vitality even after several days of contact with the gel, and the gel maintained its consistency and stability throughout the testing period.
The institute's director, Fyodor Sinatov, described this gel as a "starting point" for developing bio-bandages compatible with human tissues, which could be used in the future to regenerate skin and mucous membranes by controlling inflammation, protecting cells, and simultaneously stimulating natural healing mechanisms.
