These wires are capable of self-electrifying and thus accelerating the healing of the wound. According to laboratory tests, they also help reduce infections.
Promising tests. In a study published in the journal “Nature Communications” this Tuesday, October 8 and spotted by The Guardian, a team of Chinese researchers explains having invented a new type of stitches allowing better healing.
New to these wires: they are self-electrified. This means that when the wound moves slightly, which is generally bad for healing, the movement of the wire will create a weak, painless electrical charge. The latter will stimulate the cells and encourage them to gather around the wound to heal it.
In short: the points “convert the mechanical energy of movement into electrical stimulation,” explain the study’s researchers.
A biodegradable magnesium wire
The wires are said to be self-electrified because they do not need a battery or to be recharged. In fact, they are composed of chemical elements with opposite electrical charges. These points are made of a magnesium wire wrapped in a biodegradable sheath.
As the study published this Tuesday recalls, it has already been proven in the past that very light electrical stimulation at the level of an injury helps healing, by attracting cells to the appropriate area.
Reduction of infection
Laboratory tests were carried out, notably on rats, and showed that these new stitches made it possible to accelerate the healing of muscle wounds, 50% faster than for rats which had conventional threads.
Additionally, the researchers say these threads also reduce the risk of infection, with fewer bacteria present around the wound, which “suggests that the electrical stimulation provided by the thread may provide an antimicrobial effect during the wound healing process.” wounds,” the scientists explain.
According to them, this new technique will not be more expensive than the wires currently used. However, we will have to wait to see them used on human wounds since, as Libération indicates, the tests should last at least two years.
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