IPN researchers develop personalized patches for wound healing

Researchers at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) in Mexico are developing personalized dermal patches designed to accelerate the healing of difficult wounds, specifically targeting diabetic foot complications. Led by Dr. Yunia Verónica García Tejeda from the Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Ingeniería en Tecnologías Avanzadas (UPIITA), the team uses nanocomposites and biopolymers that promote skin regeneration and include antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In testing, the patches achieved wound healing in approximately 12 days, compared to 16 days using standard antibiotic control treatments. The technology is designed for versatility, with a semi-automatic system developed by students that can produce nanocomposites of varying thicknesses and compositions. This allows for the creation of customized patches and hydrogels on-site.

The project aims to provide medical solutions in scenarios where hospital access and specialized medications are limited, such as during natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, or landslides, as well as in remote communities. The researchers seek to implement this technology through medical brigades and collaborations with health institutions to reach vulnerable populations.