Although antibiotics are very effective in treating infected wounds, it is important to use them with caution.
Overuse of antibioticscontributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Because conventional wound dressings are opaque, it is impossible to see if the wound underneath is infected. As a result, antibiotics are often applied preemptively to the wound to prevent it from becoming infected.
In search of a more effective alternative, scientistsSwiss research center Empa have developed a new material. It has a thin membrane of nanofibers made from a blend of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) polymer and a biocompatible polymer known under the brand name Eudragit. Within these fibers, the antiseptic octenidine dihydrochloride is encapsulated.
As long as the surface of the wound remainsnormal skin in the range of 32 to 34 ºC, the polymer mixture remains solid and the medicine remains inside. However, if infection-induced inflammation causes the wound surface temperature to rise to at least 37 ºC, the polymer will go into a milder state, releasing a certain amount of octenidine into the infected tissue. Once the infection is healed and the wound cools down again, the polymer hardens. This can happen up to 5 times.
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