Nanofiber bandages slated to heal en masse next year

While we've seen a few snazzy band-aids in our day, not to mention talking first aid kits, a nanofiber bandage that can heal typical skin wounds faster is about to go mainstream. University of Akron professors Daniel Smith and Darrell Reneker are growing ever closer to bringing their invention to life, as a trial just wrapped up in Columbia that they hope will "win them FDA approval for clinical trials in the United States." The duo used electricity to spin ultrafine polymer fibers while infusing them with chemicals that open a wound to oxygen; then, the treated fibers "reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and repair slow-healing wounds faster than conventional methods," according to Smith. Moreover, the creators have already found a Minnesota-based firm willing to mass produce the nanobandages should they receive the green light, but the professors are hoping to build the new manufacturing plant in Ohio if at all possible, and have products on retail shelves "by 2008" at the latest. Given the presumed popularity of the quick-healing bandages, the team is continuing to work on other "nanofiber products" in their spare time, hoping that the mending aid is just the beginning of a long line of sweet nano-based products to come.

[Via MedGadget]

[Joe V @ Dec 14th 2006 5:08PM]

Sure, nanofiber tissue regeneration. It sounds great, until...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YuSsSwg9MXs

[ToxicDose @ Dec 14th 2006 5:45PM]

I can see that happening.

[JON BLAST @ Dec 14th 2006 5:37PM]

Now when are they going to come up with a cure for being from Ohio?

[Kevil @ Dec 14th 2006 7:04PM]

If you are interested in nanofiber textiles have a look at http://www.nanospider.cz/?lang=en&kategorie=&id=

[melloncollie @ Dec 14th 2006 7:38PM]

Trauma Center, anyone?

[corn-elius @ Dec 14th 2006 7:49PM]

Haha, I was just reminded of Trauma Center myself. This whole use of nanotech fascinates me really. I have two questions though: first of all, does this kind of bandage have any advantages in terms of scar healing? Would it reduce the odds of having ugly scars, or at least be even with current treatments?

My other thoughts are: wouldn't this be great if it helped for tattoos? I don't know if it would mess with the ink or the proper healing process, but it could potentially make the whole aftercare much less of a hassle.

[Don-Don @ Dec 14th 2006 9:07PM]

Holy crap, its like real-life Trauma Center!

[Matt @ Dec 14th 2006 10:36PM]

How much will it cost?

[Raj @ Dec 15th 2006 1:02AM]

Which company is mass producing it?

[Blackforrestal @ Dec 15th 2006 1:51AM]

I would imagine Medtronic, but there are several medical-type firms based in Mn.

[Yaemish @ Dec 19th 2006 11:14PM]

3M

[Dan @ Dec 15th 2006 11:35PM]

"Minnesota-based firm" = 3M - That seems like the company to me. 3M = next gen bandaids seems logical!

[Mike @ Dec 16th 2006 7:16AM]

It might be worth noting that The University of Akron has the leading polymer research programs in the country.