Device and method for healing wounds
Inventors
Scott-Carnell, Lisa A. • Siochi, Emilie J. • Leong, Kam W.
Assignees
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Publication Number
US-10406346-B2
Publication Date
2019-09-10
Expiration Date
2030-02-03
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Abstract
A method and device for promoting healing of an injury in a living being are provided. Such method and device are based upon an injury covering portion, which portion comprises an electroactive polymer, such as poled polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF) or a copolymer of PVDF. The electroactive polymer has either pyroelectric properties, piezoelectric properties, or both.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and device for promoting healing of an injury in a living being by using an injury covering portion comprising an electroactive polymer such as poled polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF) or a copolymer thereof. This electroactive polymer exhibits pyroelectric properties, piezoelectric properties, or both, enabling the generation of an electric field at the wound site without the need for externally applied voltage.
The problem being addressed is the challenge of chronic wound care, which is costly and complicated, and the limitations of prior wound healing devices that rely on cumbersome and expensive AC or DC power to generate electric fields. Existing methods such as delivery of biological chemicals, light emitting diodes, ultrasound, and laser exposure have not demonstrated significant acceleration of wound healing or practicability for general use. Electrical stimulation for wound healing has been explored but commercial devices are complex and limited.
Embodiments of the invention provide a simple, lightweight, and potentially reusable device that generates electrical stimulation intrinsically through the pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties of the electroactive polymer used to cover the injury. The electric field produced influences cell migration to promote healing efficiently at normal human body temperature without additional voltage, and may reduce scarring and infection. The electroactive polymer can be formed into films or fibers with controlled porosity, may be coated with biodegradable polymers or precious metals, and may include an adhering portion for attachment to the living being.
Claims Coverage
The claims include one independent claim directed to a device and one independent claim directed to a method. They encompass inventive features related to the device structure, materials, and functional properties.
Porous multilayer fiber mat with aligned electroactive polymer fibers
The device comprises an injury covering portion made of a porous multilayer fiber mat, each layer having non-woven electroactive polymer fibers aligned and substantially parallel, with fiber diameters from 0.5 to 18 μm, formed from poled polyvinylidine difluoride or its copolymer.
Electrospinning process using an elliptical electric field and substrate repositioning
The fibers are electrospun using an elliptical electric field formed by a dispenser and electrode to orient fibers on a substrate attached to an uncharged collector. The substrate is then removed and reattached in new positions to deposit fibers with different aligned orientations, producing a multilayer fiber mat.
Device without need to apply voltage during use
The device promotes healing of an injury without the need to apply voltage during use, relying on the intrinsic pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties of the fibers.
Adhering portion for device attachment to a living being
The device optionally includes an adhering portion to secure the device to the living being, ensuring the injury covering portion covers the injury.
Coatings to enhance properties
The injury covering portion may include a coating on at least one surface comprising a biodegradable polymer or precious metal to improve properties such as microbial resistance or heat retention.
Optional external heat source
The device may further comprise a heat source for applying heat to the injury covering portion, supplementing the pyroelectric effect.
Fiber-generated electric field to influence cell migration
The electroactive polymer fibers generate an electric field that influences cell migration at the injury site, thereby promoting healing.
Recyclability of the injury covering portion
The injury covering portion is configured to be recycled, potentially allowing reuse after proper disinfection.
Method of promoting healing using the device
The method involves covering the injury with the described porous multilayer fiber mat and adhering it to the living being, optionally with coatings and external heat application, to generate an electric field promoting healing without external voltage.
The claims cover a device and method for wound healing employing a porous multilayer fiber mat of electroactive polymer fibers formed by a specialized electrospinning process, which generate an electric field intrinsically to promote healing without external voltage, and include features such as adhering portions, coatings, optional heat sources, and recyclability.
Stated Advantages
Provides a simple, lightweight package suitable for diverse patient care settings including hospitals, clinics, homes, military, emergency services, and space missions.
Potential bacterial resistance due to the electroactive polymer's barrier properties to most bacteria and viruses.
Intrinsic electric field generation at normal body temperature without need for external voltage or cumbersome power supplies.
Potential to reduce scarring and infection at the wound site.
Possibility of recyclability and reuse with proper disinfection.
Documented Applications
Use as an adhesive bandage to cover wounds and promote healing through intrinsic electric fields.
Use as a gauze-like pad without adhesive portion, attached by separate means such as tape or gauze rolls.
Use as suture material composed of electroactive polymer fibers to mechanically close wounds and stimulate healing.
Application in various settings including hospitals, clinics, homes, military, emergency medical services, and space missions for wound care.
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