NIT Rourkela Develops Smart Wound Dressing That Reduces Pain, Prevents Infections
Rourkela, June 30 (TNT): Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela have developed an innovative smart wound dressing that helps prevent infections, minimises pain during dressing changes, and accelerates wound healing.
The technology, developed by Prasoon Kumar and his team, addresses a common challenge associated with conventional cotton gauze dressings, which often stick to wounds, damage newly formed tissue during removal, and increase the risk of infection, the Institute said in a release here on Tuesday.
The new dressing combines chitosan-coated cotton gauze with an electrospun nanofibrous layer loaded with curcumin, a natural compound known for its antimicrobial properties.
Positioned between the wound and the gauze, the nanofibrous layer prevents direct adhesion to the wound, reducing tissue damage during dressing removal while ensuring sustained release of curcumin to maintain an infection-free environment.
Laboratory tests showed that the smart dressing significantly reduces wound adhesion compared to conventional gauze. The nanofibrous layer also promotes cell growth and tissue regeneration, supporting faster healing.
According to Prof. Kumar, the dressing offers several advantages, including painless removal, reduced tissue damage, continuous antibacterial protection, improved wound hygiene, and a simple, scalable manufacturing process.
The researchers estimate that while a standard cotton gauze bandage roll costs around ₹30, the smart dressing of a similar size could be commercially produced at ₹50-60, making it an affordable advanced wound-care solution.
The research findings have been published in the journal Emergent Materials.
The study was co-authored by Devendra Verma, Earu Banoth, and research scholars Swagatika Barik, Rika Rani Pradhan, Shikha Tripathi, and Samadrita Roy.
Supported by grants from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the Science and Engineering Research Board, the research team plans to file a patent for the technology and explore industry partnerships to undertake clinical trials before commercialisation.
TNT KS
